Mukesh Kumar Adopts Virat Kohli's Jersey Number in Unofficial Test Match
In a surprising move, Mukesh Kumar has adopted the number 18 jersey, famously worn by Virat Kohli, during an unofficial Test match against England. Kohli, who retired from Test cricket in May 2025, previously bid farewell to T20 Internationals after leading India to a World Cup victory in 2024. Mukesh's switch from his usual number 49 raises questions about whether this change is temporary or permanent. As he aims for a comeback to the national Test team, Mukesh's performance in this match could be pivotal for his future.
| Jun 1, 2025, 21:48 IST
Mukesh Kumar's Jersey Number Change
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, following his farewell to T20 International cricket after winning the T20 World Cup in 2024. Currently, Kohli is only participating in One Day Internationals for India. Despite his retirement from Test cricket, during an unofficial Test match between India A and England Lions, another Indian player was spotted wearing the number 18 jersey, which Kohli is known for.
Mukesh Kumar, who has been selected for two unofficial Test matches with the India A team, has switched his jersey number from 49 to 18. The right-arm fast bowler is donning the number 18 jersey in the ongoing unofficial Test against England. In international cricket and the IPL, Mukesh typically wears the number 49 jersey, which he sported during IPL 2025. It remains unclear whether this change to the number 18 jersey is permanent or just for the current match.
Mukesh Kumar is not part of the Indian team for the Test series against England but is eager to make a comeback. If the visiting team requires a replacement player during the five-match Test series, he could return to the squad following some impressive performances. Since his debut in 2023, Mukesh has played 3 Tests, 6 ODIs, and 17 T20 matches, with his last appearance for India being in July 2024 during the tour of Zimbabwe.
3rd day has started but still Mukesh Kumar is wearing the No.18 jersey pic.twitter.com/UdRhhKDokl
— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) June 1, 2025
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