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Cricket fans are known for their sentiment, especially when it involves legends. And when a jersey number that symbolizes a golden era is suddenly seen on someone else, emotions are bound to flare up. That’s exactly what happened when Mukesh Kumar, playing for India A, walked out wearing jersey No. 18 — a number that has, for over a decade, been synonymous with Virat Kohli.
The incident unfolded during the ongoing unofficial Test match against England Lions in Canterbury. Mukesh, a promising fast bowler who usually dons No. 49, stepped onto the field wearing the No. 18 jersey, just weeks after Virat Kohli’s emotional retirement from Test cricket on May 12. The optics didn’t sit well with fans.
Outrage from Kohli Loyalists
Social media platforms were ablaze within hours. Kohli’s legion of devoted followers expressed shock and dismay, accusing the move of being tone-deaf and disrespectful. Many called on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to retire Kohli’s No. 18 jersey across formats — just as Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10 was retired in limited-overs cricket.
One viral post read: “Mukesh Kumar wearing our Virat Kohli's number 18 jersey. How dare he? What is his Instagram?” — capturing the raw emotion of countless fans still adjusting to the reality of Kohli’s absence from Test cricket.
BCCI Yet to Respond
The BCCI has so far remained silent on the matter, neither explaining the jersey swap nor addressing calls for retiring Kohli’s number. Whether the jersey mix-up was an administrative oversight or a personal choice by the player remains unclear.
Also Read: Former RCB star reveals reason behind Virat Kohli's Test retirement
Mukesh Lets the Ball Do the Talking
Amid the storm, Mukesh Kumar kept his focus where it belonged — on the pitch. He produced an impactful spell, taking three crucial wickets, helping India A pull back momentum after a strong start by England Lions, who reached 333 for five at lunch on the penultimate day of the match. Max Holden’s eighth first-class ton threatened to take the game away, but Mukesh ensured India A remained in the contest.
Symbolism vs. Sport
While Mukesh’s performance deserves praise, the jersey controversy has reignited a larger debate: should iconic numbers be preserved like sacred relics? For millions of fans, No. 18 isn’t just a number — it’s a symbol of Virat Kohli’s unmatched passion and legacy. Whether the BCCI takes steps to formally retire the number remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — for fans, that jersey will always belong to King Kohli.
