Jersey number 18 is one of the most special numbers in the sport of cricket. When you watch cricket matches, you can see that different players wear different numbers on their shirts. The number 18 has become very famous because of some amazing cricketers who have worn it. Here at 96in, you will get to know about this interesting number and why it matters so much to cricket fans all around the world.
Why Is Number 18 So Important?
In cricket, numbers on jerseys mean something special. They are not just random choices. Many cricketers pick their numbers because these numbers have meaning in their lives. The number 18 belongs to one of the greatest cricket players in the world, Virat Kohli. Kohli is from India and plays for the Indian cricket team. He is known as one of the best batsmen ever to play the game.
The Story Behind Virat Kohli’s Number 18
Virat Kohli chose the number 18 for a very touching reason. Two very important dates in his life both have the number 18 in them. His father sadly passed away on December 18, 2006. This was a sad time for young Virat. Then, on August 18, 2008, Virat played his first match for the country of India. These two dates, separated by almost two years, both have the number 18. This gave Kohli a “cosmic connection” to this number. That means the number felt linked to his life in a special way.
Kohli has worn number 18 since he was young, starting when he played for India’s under-19 team. He continues to wear this number today in all forms of cricket. This shows how much the number means to him. When you watch Kohli bat with number 18 on his back, you are watching a player who carries the memory of his father with him on the field.
Other Players Who Wear Number 18
Virat Kohli is not the only player with number 18. Smriti Mandhana, who plays for India’s women’s cricket team, also wears the number 18. She is a wonderful batsman who has impressed cricket fans everywhere. Mandhana helped India win the 2025 ODI World Cup, and she played very well during that tournament. These two amazing players have made the number 18 stand for greatness and hard work in cricket.
How Cricket Betting Apps Use These Numbers?
If you follow cricket closely, you can use 96.com app and website to learn more about cricket and even place bets on matches. These cricket betting platforms let fans stay connected to the game they love.
The Respect for Great Players
In Indian cricket, some jersey numbers are retired to show respect for great players. This means no other player can wear those numbers anymore. The number 7 was retired in memory of MS Dhoni, and the number 10 was retired for Sachin Tendulkar, another amazing Indian cricketer. There has been talk about retiring the number 18 in honor of Virat Kohli someday, though it has not happened yet.
What This Means for New Players?
Young cricketers in India look up to players like Virat Kohli and Smriti Mandhana. They understand that wearing number 18 now carries the weight of this history. It is not just a number on a shirt. It represents hard work, skill, and the ability to be great at the game of cricket. When new players choose their numbers, they think about these ideas.
Final Thoughts
Cricket fans from all over the world know about the number 18 because of these two great players. Whether you watch cricket on television, use the 96in app, and website for updates, you will see the number 18 and remember the stories behind it. This is what makes cricket such a wonderful sport to follow.
