In the Indian cricket team, jersey numbers often carry special meanings — from lucky digits to personal memories or numerology beliefs. Interestingly, some players across different eras have worn identical jersey numbers, leading to fascinating overlaps. Let’s explore 10 identical jersey numbers worn by Indian cricket players and the stories behind them.
1. Jersey No. 7 – Mahendra Singh Dhoni & Shubman Gill
The number 7 is almost synonymous with MS Dhoni, symbolizing calm leadership and success. Dhoni, born on July 7, 1981, chose it as his lucky number. However, young star Shubman Gill has also been seen wearing the same number in domestic matches and IPL before switching at times. For both, it reflects confidence and composure under pressure.
2. Jersey No. 18 – Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma (Symbolic Connection)
While only Kohli officially wears 18, the number’s emotional importance comes from his debut days and his father’s passing when he was 18. Over time, this number became iconic. Interestingly, during celebrity matches and symbolic references, fans often associate “18” with both Kohli and his wife, Anushka, making it a sentimental emblem.
3. Jersey No. 10 – Sachin Tendulkar & Shardul Thakur
The number 10 was immortalized by Sachin Tendulkar, the “God of Cricket.” Later, Shardul Thakur briefly wore No. 10, which sparked a massive fan reaction, prompting BCCI to unofficially retire the number out of respect for Sachin. This remains one of the most talked-about identical jersey moments in Indian cricket history.
4. Jersey No. 45 – Rohit Sharma & Kuldeep Yadav (Early Career)
Rohit Sharma’s No. 45 is now iconic, but few fans know that Kuldeep Yadav also donned the same number during his early domestic days. Rohit chose it as a lucky number after consulting a numerologist, and it has since become synonymous with his dominance as an opener and captain.
5. Jersey No. 19 – Rahul Dravid & Dinesh Karthik
Both classy batsmen in their own right, Dravid and Karthik have worn No. 19 at different points. For Dravid, it symbolized consistency and discipline. Karthik, too, used it during his comeback phase as a mark of persistence and respect for “The Wall.”
6. Jersey No. 25 – Hardik Pandya & Rishabh Pant (Early Phase)
Before switching to different numbers, both Pandya and Pant were spotted wearing No. 25 during their early IPL and domestic stints. For them, it represented fresh beginnings and energy — perfectly matching their explosive batting styles.
7. Jersey No. 63 – Phil Hughes Tribute (Team-Wide)
Though not limited to one player, Indian cricketers including Kohli and Rahane wore jerseys with “63” temporarily as a mark of tribute to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who tragically passed away at age 25 after being hit on the head by a bouncer. This number represents solidarity beyond teams and borders.
8. Jersey No. 8 – Ravindra Jadeja & Sandeep Patil
Ravindra Jadeja made No. 8 famous with his all-round brilliance. Coincidentally, Sandeep Patil, a star from the 1983 World Cup era, also wore No. 8. Both players share aggression and flair, perfectly matching the vibrancy the number represents.
9. Jersey No. 1 – KL Rahul & Gautam Gambhir
Both openers, both aggressive, and both having worn No. 1 on their jerseys. For Rahul, it stands for being “number one” in his own journey, while for Gambhir, it symbolized determination and confidence as a top-order batsman who played crucial innings under pressure.
10. Jersey No. 99 – Surya Kumar Yadav & Ashish Nehra
No. 99 is known for its boldness, often representing energy and aggression. Veteran pacer Ashish Nehra wore it in his later years, while Suryakumar Yadav continues to sport it proudly, reflecting his fearless batting style. Both are known for being unpredictable yet impactful — traits that suit the number’s vibe.
The Emotional Connection Behind Jersey Numbers
For cricketers, jersey numbers are more than just identifiers; they’re a part of their identity — linked with luck, family memories, or even birth dates. Over the years, identical numbers have connected generations of players, creating invisible threads that bind Indian cricket’s legacy together.
From Sachin’s divine 10 to Dhoni’s legendary 7 and Kohli’s iconic 18, these numbers have become symbols of pride, perseverance, and passion — reminding fans that while the players change, the spirit behind their jerseys lives on.
