Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar has found himself at the center of a social media storm after donning the No. 18 jersey—the iconic number long associated with Virat Kohli—during India A’s ongoing match against the England Lions in Canterbury.
Fans Furious Over Kohli’s Jersey Being Reused
Kohli, who retired from Test cricket in May 2025, made headlines with his surprise announcement just ahead of India’s five-Test tour of England. Over the years, the number 18 has become symbolic of Kohli’s legacy in Indian cricket. Its sudden reappearance on another player, and so soon after his retirement, didn’t sit well with fans.
During India A’s warm-up game, Mukesh Kumar, who usually wears jersey No. 49, was seen wearing the No. 18 shirt. This led to widespread outrage online, with many fans urging the BCCI to retire Kohli’s number, similar to how Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10 was unofficially retired from limited-overs formats as a mark of respect.
Social Media Reaction
Fans poured their emotions on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram:
- “You don’t wear THAT number unless you’re ready for the weight it carries.”
- “BCCI must retire the 18 jersey in Tests. Show some respect to the King.”
- “No. 18 belongs to Kohli. Period.”
Mukesh Impresses On the Field
Despite the controversy, Mukesh Kumar made headlines for the right reasons on Day 3. With England Lions cruising at 237/2, Mukesh turned the tide by grabbing 3 wickets in just four overs, reminding fans why he’s a vital part of India’s bowling setup.
Karun Nair’s Double Century Turns Heads
Elsewhere in the same match, Karun Nair made a thunderous case for a national comeback. With India A in early trouble, Nair steadied the ship and went on to smash a brilliant double century.
His classy knock featured elegant boundaries, and his celebration—kissing the Indian flag on his helmet—was widely applauded. With the Test series opener against England in Leeds just weeks away, Nair’s performance couldn’t have come at a better time.
Will BCCI Retire Kohli’s Number?
This incident has reignited debates around jersey retirement in cricket, especially for modern-day legends. While cricket doesn’t officially retire numbers like some other sports, fan sentiment around Kohli’s No. 18 could pressure the board into reconsidering its stance.
As India gears up for its big Test series, the Mukesh-Kohli jersey storm has added an unexpected off-field subplot that’s capturing attention.
