Mukesh Kumar Honors Virat Kohli in Unofficial Test Against England Lions
Mukesh Kumar's Tribute to Virat Kohli
In the inaugural unofficial Test between England Lions and India A at the historic St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury, Mukesh Kumar caught attention by wearing the iconic No. 18 jersey of Virat Kohli. This match is part of the India A tour of England 2025, designed to provide young players with valuable experience in English conditions. Mukesh's decision to don Kohli's jersey infused an emotional and symbolic significance into the match, linking the current game to India's illustrious cricketing history.
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Mukesh Kumar is wearing Virat's No 18 Jersey 💔 pic.twitter.com/V8jIxRaUhr
— Sohel. (@SohelVkf) May 31, 2025
Mukesh Kumar's choice to wear the No. 18 jersey transcended mere symbolism; it served as a heartfelt tribute to one of India's finest modern cricketers, Virat Kohli. Known for his fiery passion and intensity, Kohli has inspired many emerging players like Mukesh, who aspire to make their mark on the international stage.
By wearing the same jersey number, Mukesh not only paid homage to Kohli's legacy but also accepted the weight of that legacy. His bowling performance reflected this symbolism, as he delivered with determination and precision, embodying the spirit that the No. 18 jersey has come to signify over the years. Fans quickly took to social media to express their admiration and emotional responses to the jersey switch. For Mukesh, this moment could signify a turning point, both as a player stepping into significant shoes and as an individual crafting his own narrative in Indian cricket.
India A Takes Control on Day 2
India A showcased dominance in the first unofficial Test against England Lions in Canterbury. They amassed a formidable total of 557 in their first innings, highlighted by Karun Nair's impressive double century (204) and solid performances from Dhruv Jurel (94) and Sarfaraz Khan (92), putting pressure on the home team.
In response, England Lions ended Day 2 at 237/2, trailing by 320 runs. Tom Haines led the charge with an unbeaten 103, while Mukesh Kumar and the India A bowlers put in a commendable effort. With a substantial lead, India A is in a strong position as they head into Day 3.