In cricket, jersey numbers don’t just serve as identifiers; they wear many hats. They are a platform for players’ personal stories, memories and superstitious beliefs. For Indian players in particular, these numbers have become symbols of their relationship with the sport, what they believe in and the emotions they have towards it. Also, we see that through the generations of Indian cricketers, the numbers they put on their backs are either the result of chance or a tribute to their heroes. We will look at the stories behind 10 of those repeated jersey numbers worn by Indian international players and what they mean to them in their professional and personal lives.
- Sachin Tendulkar and Shubman Gill – Jersey No. 10
In India, the number 10 jersey is a near-sacred element of cricket. Sachin Tendulkar, whom we term the “Master Blaster”, wore it for his entire career, which in turn made it iconic. After his retirement, the number was retired to pay tribute to his great status. Young player Shubman Gill at first wore the same number in his early international games but later changed to 77 out of respect for Sachin.
Hobby: Sachin is into table tennis, music, and also his family; as for Gill, which is to say that he is into photography, luxury cars, and horse riding.
- Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw – Jersey No. 18
In terms of numbers, Virat Kohli has 18, which is very emotional as it is the day his father died, which in turn set the base for his success. Also, Prithvi Shaw took to this number, which he did so from Kohli’s success story and leadership. Also known for their aggressive style of play and fearless at the crease.
Hobby: Kohli is into fitness, reading motivational books, and travelling. Also, Shaw does dancing, gaming, and trying out new cuisines.
- M.S. Dhoni and Yashasvi Jaiswal – Jersey No. 7
Born on July 7th, M.S. Dhoni’s favourite number is 7. The number, which is a sign of cool-headedness in hard times, leadership, and success, became a worldwide symbol. Also, a young player, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who looks up to Dhoni, put on that number for which he has a very good superstitious as well as motivational association.
Hobby: Dhoni is into farming, biking, and caring for his pets; also, Jaiswal does sketching, plays music and football.
- Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav – Jersey No. 45
Rohit Sharma, who is also known as the “Hitman”, chose number 45 at the behest of his mother for luck. His Mumbai teammate Suryakumar Yadav at one point wore that same number before he changed to 63, which in turn became his identity. Also, both are known for their explosive batting and match-winning skills.
Hobby: Rohit is into the world of wildlife photography and video games, while Suryakumar enjoys golf and travelling, which he does with his family.
- Yuvraj Singh and Ishan Kishan – Jersey No.12
In the 2007 T20 World Cup, Yuvraj Singh’s number 12 became a legend after he hit those six sixes. Ishan Kishan chose that number to pay tribute to Yuvraj’s bravery and charm. Also, both players are left-handed, which is a point of similarity between them, as also is their bold batting style and love for challenges.
Hobby: Yuvraj is into fashion design and mentoring young cricketers, also Kishan is into films, adventure trips and pet dogs.
- Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur – Jersey No. 33
Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur both have a personal bond with the number 33, which is that of confidence and growth. Also, they are known for their all-around games and the energy they bring to the field.
Hobby: Hardik is into music, tattoos and fashion, but Shardul is into swimming and strength training.
- Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav – Jersey No.17
Pant donned the number 17 in memory of his late father, which symbolises love and also motivation. In the same vein, Kuldeep Yadav, the wrist spinner, also has that number, which is very personal to him. Together, they have been the key players in the early stages of India’s new cricket era.
Hobby: Pant is into travel, music from his guitar, and photography; Kuldeep is more into gaming and going out with friends.
- Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj – Jersey No.18
In the case of Ravindra Jadeja, number 8 is his go-to choice, which in turn has to do with his birth path in numerology. Also, we see Mohammed Siraj donning the number 8 in memory of his late father. What they may not know is that their dedication and hard work personify the balance and strength that is associated with their number.
Hobby: Jadeja is into horse riding, farming, and cooking; Siraj does Punjabi music and driving.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Axar Patel – Jersey No.15
In the number 15, which is what both Bhuvneshwar and Axar wear, they present a symbol of dependability and focus. This pair are at ease yet very effective players, they often turn around matches in silence.
Hobby: Bhuvneshwar is a fan of cooking and spending time with his wife, also Axar into gaming, working out, and pet care.
10. Shikhar Dhawan and Deepak Hooda – Jersey No. 25
Shikhar Dhawan, who is known for his fearless stroke play, wears number 25, which he has associated with luck and consistency. Younger star Deepak Hooda also sports the same number as a tribute to Dhawan and as a mark that reminds him to stay positive under pressure.
Hobby: Dhawan is into meditation, poetry and fitness, as for Hooda, who has him into travel, music and the gym.
Conclusion
Jersey numbers in cricket are more than what they appear to be; they are symbols of faith, respect, and destiny. From being inspired by legends like Sachin or Dhoni to personal choice, these numbers connect Indian players across generations through emotion and legacy. As the Indian team grows and changes, so does the meaning of these numbers, which tell the stories of dedication, inspiration, and the unbreakable spirit of Indian cricket.
