Cricketers often choose their jersey numbers based on personal significance, lucky numbers, or special memories. For instance, some select numbers related to birth dates, family, or important milestones. While there are no official guidelines, players from different teams may opt for different numbers, making their choices unique and personal.
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Role of ICC and BCCI
In cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) do not assign jersey numbers. Players choose their numbers, and no official guidelines exist regarding this. However, players must ensure no two players in the playing eleven have the same number. For instance, Virat Kohli wears 18, MS Dhoni 7, and Rohit Sharma 45.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar chose jersey number 10 as it was lucky for him and symbolized his surname, “Tendulkar.” After his retirement, the BCCI considered retiring the number 10 but eventually allowed Shardul Thakur to wear it for his debut. The number 10 jersey is also worn by players from other countries, like Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi. In football, it’s typically given to the team’s best player.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli chose jersey number 18 as it holds sentimental value for him, marking the day his father passed away on December 18, 2006. Kohli has worn this number since his Under-19 days, and it has since become a symbol of his father’s presence in his cricketing journey.
3. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni chose jersey number 7 because his birthday falls on July 7. Additionally, he is a big football fan and admires Cristiano Ronaldo, who also wears number 7. This connection to his birthdate and favorite footballer made the number particularly meaningful throughout his cricketing career.
4. Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid initially wore jersey number 5 early in his career but switched to 19 after his marriage, believing it brought him luck. The change was inspired by his wife’s birthday, which is on the 19th, and it helped him keep this special date close to his heart throughout his cricket journey.
5. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma wears jersey number 45, a choice made by his mother. While his lucky number is 9, already taken by Parthiv Patel, he chose 4 + 5 = 9, following her suggestion. This number has proven fortunate for Rohit, who has become a key player for the Indian team.
6. Virender Sehwag
In the early days of his career, Virender Sehwag wore jersey number 44, but it didn’t bring him luck. After consulting an astrologer, he switched to number 46, but that also failed to yield results. Eventually, Sehwag decided to play without any jersey number at all.
7. Hardik Pandya
Team India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya wears jersey number 228, which holds special significance for him. He scored 228 runs in an under-16 match against Vadodara, leading his team to a decisive victory. Since then, Pandya has proudly continued to wear the number 228 on his jersey.