When you follow cricket, one of the first things that catches your eye is a player’s jersey not just his name, but the number on his back. The Indian Cricket Team Jersey Numbers do more than identify a player: they tell stories of superstition, legacy, and personal identity. From Virat Kohli’s iconic 18 to the retired legends like Sachin Tendulkar’s 10 and MS Dhoni’s 7, every number tells a story. In this article, we’ll look the fascinating history, meaning, and fun facts behind these numbers, giving you a closer look at the personalities behind the jerseys.
Indian Cricket Team Jersey Numbers
Here are some of the most prominent Indian Cricket Team Jersey Numbers including both current stars and retired legends:
| Player | Jersey Number | Status / Notes |
| KL Rahul | 1 | Active |
| Arshdeep Singh | 2 | Active |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 3 | Active |
| T. Natarajan | 4 | Active |
| Washington Sundar | 5 | Active |
| Wriddhiman Saha | 6 | Active |
| MS Dhoni | 7 | Retired |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 8 | Active |
| Sanju Samson | 9 | Active |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 10 | Retired |
| Mohammed Shami | 11 | Active |
| Yuvraj Singh | 12 | Active |
| Mayank Agarwal | 16 | Active |
| Rishabh Pant | 17 | Active |
| Virat Kohli | 18 | Active |
| Axar Patel | 20 | Active |
| Manish Pandey | 21 | Active |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 22 (Previous) | Active |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 23 | Active |
| Prasidh Krishna | 24 | Active |
| Rahul Chahar | 28 | Active |
| Varun Chakravarthy | 29 | Active |
| Pragyan Ojha | 30 | Active |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 31 | Active |
| Ishan Kishan | 32 | Active |
| Hardik Pandya | 33 | Active |
| Krishnappa Gowtham | 34 | Active |
| Rinku Singh | 35 | Active |
| Harshal Patel | 36 | Active |
| Devdutt Padikkal | 37 | Active |
| NA | 38 | Active |
| NA | 39 | Active |
| NA | 40 | Active |
| Shreyas Iyer | 41 | Active |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 42 | Active |
| Prasidh Krishna | 43 | Active |
| Hanuma Vihari | 44 | Active |
| Rohit Sharma | 45 | Active |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 46 (Previous) | Active |
| Shahbaz Ahmed | 47 | Active |
| Suresh Raina | 48 | Active |
| Mukesh Kumar | 49 | Active |
| NA | 50 | Active |
| Amar Singh | 51 | Active |
| NA | 52 | Active |
| NA | 53 | Active |
| Shardul Thakur | 54 | Active |
| Dinesh Karthik | 55 | Active |
| Ravi Bishnoi | 56 | Active |
| Deepak Hooda | 57 | Active |
| Mohammed Siraj | 58 | Active |
| Vijay Shankar | 59 | Active |
| NA | 60 | Active |
| Ish Sodhi | 61 | Active |
| NA | 62 | Active |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 63 | Active |
| Ashish Nehra | 64 | Active |
| Avesh Khan | 65 | Active |
| Sai Sudharsan | 66 | Active |
| NA | 67 | Active |
| Virender Sehwag | 68 | Active |
| Karun Nair | 69 | Active |
| Shivam Dube | 70 | Active |
| NA | 71 | Active |
| Tilak Varma | 72 | Active |
| Mohammed Siraj | 73 | Active |
| Sunil Narine | 74 | Active |
| NA | 75 | Active |
| NA | 76 | Active |
| Shubman Gill | 77 | Active |
| NA | 78 | Active |
| Kedar Jadhav | 79 | Active |
| NA | 80 | Active |
| NA | 81 | Active |
| NA | 82 | Active |
| Roger Binny | 83 | Active |
| NA | 84 | Active |
| NA | 85 | Active |
| NA | 86 | Active |
| Rajat Patidar | 87 | Active |
| Shabas Nadin | 88 | Active |
| NA | 89 | Active |
| Deepak Chahar | 90 | Active |
| NA | 91 | Active |
| NA | 92 | Active |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 93 | Active |
| NA | 94 | Active |
| NA | 95 | Active |
| Navdeep Saini | 96 | Active |
| Ishant Sharma | 97 | Active |
| NA | 98 | Active |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 99 | Active |
| Prithvi Shaw | 100 | Active |
The Story Behind Every Jersey Number
Jersey numbers in cricket aren’t random they carry meaning and identity. Many Indian players pick numbers based on birth dates, lucky digits, or personal milestones. For instance, MS Dhoni’s 7 reflects his birth date and calm leadership, while Virat Kohli’s 18 has become symbolic of his passion and consistency.
These numbers help fans instantly recognize players and connect with them, especially when wearing replica jerseys. In short, a cricket jersey number isn’t just a number, it’s a story, a legacy, and part of a player’s identity.
Retired Jersey Numbers in Indian Cricket
In cricket, retiring a jersey number is extremely rare, reserved only for players who have made an extraordinary contribution to the sport. In Indian cricket, only two numbers have been officially retired by the BCCI:
1. Number 10 – Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar’s jersey number 10 became iconic because of the legendary career he built while wearing it. It symbolizes excellence, consistency, and a generation of cricket dominated by Tendulkar’s batting brilliance. Tendulkar is widely regarded as the “God of Cricket,” holding numerous records including the most runs in international cricket and 100 international centuries. Retiring his number is a tribute to his immense contribution to Indian cricket, ensuring no future player can claim his legendary number.
2. Number 7 – MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni chose 7 because he was born on 7th July (07/07). Over time, the number 7 became symbolic of his calm leadership, ability to finish matches under pressure, and his success as one of India’s greatest captains. The BCCI officially retired Dhoni’s number after he stepped away from international cricket, recognizing his incredible achievements including the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
Iconic Indian Cricket Jersey Numbers and Their Stories
Some jersey numbers in Indian cricket are more than just digits—they are symbols of legends, legacy, and unforgettable moments. Here’s a closer look at the most iconic numbers:
1. 7 – MS Dhoni
Dhoni chose 7 because he was born on 7th July (07/07). Over time, it became symbolic of his calm leadership, finishing ability, and ICC triumphs, including the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup. The BCCI officially retired this number, ensuring no future player can wear it.
2. 10 – Sachin Tendulkar
10 is arguably the most legendary number in Indian cricket. Worn by the “God of Cricket,” it represents decades of records, batting mastery, and passion for the game. Tendulkar’s jersey was retired to honor his unmatched contribution.
3. 18 – Virat Kohli
Kohli’s 18 has become a symbol of modern aggression, consistency, and passion. Fans immediately associate this number with his identity on and off the field, making “VK18” a global cricketing brand.
4. 12 – Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj wore 12, which connects to his birth date (12th December). It is tied to some of his most iconic performances, including six sixes in an over during the 2007 T20 World Cup and match-winning innings in the 2011 World Cup.
5. 45 – Rohit Sharma
Rohit’s 45 has become synonymous with his explosive batting and multiple double centuries in ODIs. Chosen with personal significance, this number is now instantly linked to his elegant yet destructive style.
6. 93 – Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah’s 93 is unique and represents his fearless approach as a death-over specialist. While the exact reason for his choice isn’t public, the number has become iconic among fans as part of his identity.
7. 77 – Shubman Gill
Gill’s 77 carries personal significance, reflecting his drive to succeed and stand out in Indian cricket. The high number symbolizes individuality and determination.
These jersey numbers are not just identifiers—they tell stories of personal journeys, remarkable achievements, and the legacy of Indian cricket, connecting fans to the legends and stars of the game.
Interesting Facts About the Indian Cricket Team Jersey Numbers
1. Retired Numbers Are Legendary: Only MS Dhoni’s 7 and Sachin Tendulkar’s 10 are officially retired, honoring their unmatched contribution to Indian cricket.
2. Numbers Reflect Personal Beliefs: Players often pick numbers based on luck, birthdates, or milestones. Examples: Dhoni (7), Kohli (18), Gill (77). Some avoid “unlucky” numbers.
3. Iconic Numbers Connect Generations: Numbers like 10, 7, and 18 instantly remind fans of legends, appearing in merchandise and social media trends.
4. High Numbers Are Increasingly Popular: Modern stars use higher numbers like Gill (77), Bumrah (93), and Ashwin (99) to stand out and symbolize personal stories.
5. Emotional Weight in Tournaments: Wearing iconic numbers in ICC events adds pride and pressure, inspiring players to perform their best.
6. Numbers Strengthen Fan Connection: Jersey numbers help fans instantly recognize players, boosting engagement and loyalty across merchandise, social media, and cricket culture.
Conclusion
The Indian Cricket Team Jersey Numbers are much more than digits on a shirt—they are symbols of legacy, identity, and personal stories. From retired legends like Sachin Tendulkar (10) and MS Dhoni (7) to modern stars like Virat Kohli (18) and Shubman Gill (77), each number carries meaning both on and off the field.
These numbers connect fans to the players, inspire young cricketers, and often reflect the personality, superstition, or journey of the athlete wearing them. Whether it’s the pride of wearing an iconic number in a World Cup or the personal significance behind a high jersey number, each digit tells a story.
Next time you watch an Indian cricket match, don’t just follow the players’ nameslook at the numbers on their backs. They aren’t just numbersthey are a legacy of Indian cricket, bridging generations and celebrating the heroes of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why are jersey numbers important in cricket?
Jersey numbers are more than just identifiers. They reflect a player’s identity, personal beliefs, and sometimes superstition. Numbers like 10 (Tendulkar) or 7 (Dhoni) carry legacy, while others like 18 (Kohli) and 77 (Gill) represent personal milestones and motivation.
Q2. Which Indian cricket jersey numbers are retired?
Only two numbers have been officially retired in Indian cricket:10 – Sachin Tendulkar and 7 – MS Dhoni. These numbers were retired to honor their extraordinary contribution and achievements in Indian cricket.
Q3. How do Indian players choose their jersey numbers?
Players often select numbers based on birth dates, lucky numbers, numerology, or personal milestones. Some numbers carry personal significance, while others are chosen to stand out or create a unique identity on the team.
Q4. What are some iconic Indian cricket jersey numbers?
Some of the most iconic numbers include:
- 10 – Sachin Tendulkar
- 7 – MS Dhoni
- 18 – Virat Kohli
- 77 – Shubman Gill
These numbers are widely recognized by fans and often appear on merchandise and jerseys.
Q5. Can Indian cricket players use any number on their jersey?
Yes, the ICC allows players to choose any number from 1 to 100, as long as it is not retired. Players usually select numbers based on personal preference, superstition, or significance.