The Meaning Behind Jersey Numbers in Cricket

They may be just digits stitched onto a shirt, but in modern cricket, jersey numbers mean far more than that. Whether it’s Dhoni’s iconic 7, Kohli’s 18, or Stokes’ 55, players' numbers have become part of their identity — a kind of cricketing signature.

Once seen only in football or basketball, jersey numbers in cricket are now ubiquitous across ODIs, T20s, and franchise leagues. They allow fans to instantly identify players, add flair to team kits, and often carry deep personal significance. Some cricketers choose them for sentimental reasons — birthdays, lucky numbers, or personal tributes. Others do it for superstition. Some don’t get a choice at all.

This shift didn’t happen overnight. The rise of coloured clothing, global broadcasting, and commercialisation of the sport has turned jersey numbers into one of the most recognisable elements of a cricketer’s brand. Today, a jersey number is as much a part of a player’s image as their batting stance or bowling action.

So how did we get here? And what do these numbers actually mean — to players, teams, and fans? Let’s dig into the strange, symbolic, and sometimes superstitious world of cricket’s numbered kits.

1. When Did Jersey Numbers in Cricket Start?

Before the 1990s, you’d be hard-pressed to find a number on a cricket shirt — let alone a brightly coloured one. Test cricket, steeped in tradition, required players to wear all-white kits, free of names or digits. Identification relied solely on context, commentary, and recognition of faces and builds.

But all that began to change with the advent of World Series Cricket in the late 1970s. Kerry Packer’s breakaway league introduced coloured clothing, floodlit matches, and yes — jersey numbers. Though initially controversial, these innovations eventually filtered into mainstream international cricket.

It wasn’t until the 1995–96 Benson & Hedges World Series in Australia that player numbers became standard in official ODIs. By the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup, names and numbers on shirts were fully embraced — giving cricket fans the kind of visual connection long enjoyed in other sports.

Today, every major ODI and T20 side assigns jersey numbers to its players. Even Test cricket, once immune to this visual evolution, adopted numbers on whites during the 2019 Ashes series, albeit with mixed reactions from purists.

In short, jersey numbers in cricket started as a broadcasting aid — but quickly morphed into something far more personal and enduring.

2. The Role of Jersey Numbers in Modern Cricket

Beyond aesthetics, jersey numbers in cricket now serve several practical and commercial purposes.

Player Identification

In fast-paced formats like T20s, where players change fielding positions constantly and new faces emerge in each league, numbers help fans and commentators quickly identify who's who — especially when squads balloon to 25+ players.

Broadcasting and Technology

With multiple cameras tracking movement, jersey numbers are invaluable in replays, analytics, and DRS reviews. They make it easier for commentators to narrate the game accurately, especially in multi-team tournaments like the IPL or The Hundred.

Branding and Merchandising

A jersey number is now a part of a cricketer’s brand. Fans buy replica shirts not just for national pride, but for player loyalty — a Bumrah 93, a Smith 49, a Rizwan 16. Numbers become trademarks, especially on the back of huge social media followings and sponsorship deals.

Continuity Across Formats

With players hopping between formats and franchise teams, numbers offer a thread of continuity. KL Rahul may change shirts and sponsors, but the 1 on his back is consistent — and that matters to fans.

In short, numbers aren’t just there to look good — they’ve become an essential part of the modern cricket ecosystem.

3. Personal Meaning: Birthdays, Lucky Numbers, and Tributes

For many cricketers, jersey numbers aren’t randomly assigned — they’re deeply personal choices. In some cases, it’s obvious; in others, the story behind the number only emerges years later.

Birthdays and Personal Dates

• Virat Kohli wears 18 — his Under-19 debut and the day his father passed away.

• KL Rahul opts for 1, representing a fresh start or "the first among equals".

• Shubman Gill’s 77 links back to a family tradition.

Lucky Numbers and Numerology

Some players are firm believers in numerology or astrology. They pick numbers that are believed to attract luck or balance energy. Others stick to digits they wore in junior cricket or at domestic level, carrying them through into the international stage.

Tributes and Remembrance

• Steve Smith’s 49 was a tribute to his late teammate Phil Hughes, who died at age 25 (2+5 = 7, and 4+9 = 13 — both numbers linked to him across matches).

• David Warner briefly used 31 in junior cricket to honour a mentor before settling on 31 in the national side too.

In many cases, the number tells a story — of where a player came from, who they honour, or what they believe in. These aren’t just digits. They’re identity stitched in polyester.

4. Retired and Reserved Numbers

Unlike basketball or football, cricket doesn’t have a formal system for retiring jersey numbers. But that doesn’t mean the sentiment doesn’t exist.

Phillip Hughes — 64

After the tragic death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes in 2014, there were calls to retire his ODI jersey number, 64. While not officially removed from circulation, it hasn’t been worn since. It remains an informal mark of respect.

Tendulkar’s Number 10

Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic 10 was quietly taken out of rotation by the BCCI in 2017 after fans expressed disapproval when Shardul Thakur wore it during an ODI. Thakur later switched to 54.

Dhoni’s 7

While not officially retired, it’s highly unlikely any Indian player will wear number 7 in the near future. It’s too strongly associated with the former captain — and any replacement would face unavoidable comparisons.

Cricket doesn’t codify these decisions, but respect runs deep. Unspoken agreements — team culture, public sentiment, and the reverence for legends — often prevent reusing iconic numbers.

5. Iconic Jersey Numbers and Their Legacy

Some numbers become more than just identifiers — they become part of cricketing folklore. Over time, certain players have become so synonymous with their numbers that the digits alone evoke memories of their heroics.

MS Dhoni – 7

Arguably the most famous jersey in Indian cricket. Dhoni’s calm under pressure, leadership, and finishing flair all became tied to the number 7 — which, incidentally, matches his birthday (7th July). Fans proudly sport the “7” shirt even years after his retirement from international cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar – 10

For many, this number belongs to one man. Although 10 has historical connotations in football, in India it is purely “Tendulkar’s number”. Once retired, the BCCI unofficially withdrew it from circulation — a silent salute to the man who made it iconic.

Brett Lee – 58

Less obvious, but no less memorable. Lee’s blistering pace and charisma turned an otherwise random number into one closely associated with intimidation and flair.

AB de Villiers – 17

Whether flaying bowlers in ODIs or pulling off impossible shots in T20s, de Villiers’ 17 has become iconic with innovation, elegance, and unpredictability.

These numbers carry weight. They’re plastered on fan jerseys, painted on banners, and etched in cricketing memory. New players might wear the same digits, but the legacies behind them are hard to outshine.

6. Are There Rules for Choosing Numbers?

You might think players simply walk in and pick their favourite number — but it’s a bit more complex than that.

Team and Board Policies

• Most cricket boards allow players to choose their own numbers for limited-overs formats.

• If two players want the same number, seniority or first-come-first-served usually applies.

• In franchise cricket (IPL, BBL, etc.), players can carry their international numbers or pick new ones — depending on availability.

Format-Specific Guidelines

In Test cricket, numbered jerseys are still a relatively recent development. The ICC introduced them during the 2019 Ashes as part of the World Test Championship, but many boards leave it optional. For instance, England and Australia embraced them, while others remained traditional.

Restrictions

There are few hard restrictions — but most teams avoid allowing:

• Double digits over 99

• Negative numbers or special characters

• Numbers already strongly associated with past legends

In short, while there’s room for personal choice, there’s still a structure in place. Players may wear the same kit number across all formats — or use different ones depending on the situation.

7. Superstition and Ritual Around Numbers

Cricketers, like athletes across many sports, are often creatures of habit — and in some cases, deeply superstitious. Jersey numbers in cricket can become totems of luck, routine, and even ritual.

The Numbers Game

Some players stick to one number throughout their careers, convinced it brings success. Others are quick to switch if they hit a rough patch, hoping a new digit will change their fortunes. It's not uncommon for a batter to blame a poor run of form on something as arbitrary as the number on their back.

Numerology and Astrology

In the subcontinent especially, numerology plays a huge role. Players may consult spiritual advisors or astrologers before choosing their shirt number. This practice has gained attention during the IPL, where seemingly random numbers often have a hidden “cosmic” rationale.

Game Day Rituals

• Some players will only wear a particular number on specific days.

• Others treat their number like a sacred object — touching it before every over, or aligning it with wristbands and gear colour for symmetry.

These habits might seem trivial, but in a game as mental as cricket, confidence is currency. If a certain number makes a player feel invincible, selectors are rarely going to question it.

8. How Jersey Numbers Are Perceived by Fans

For fans, jersey numbers in cricket are more than identifiers — they’re emotional shorthand. Numbers evoke memories, define eras, and offer a way to connect with heroes.

Tribal Identity

Wearing a player’s number becomes a declaration. A fan in a number 18 shirt isn’t just supporting India — they’re pledging loyalty to Kohli. These digits become symbolic, shorthand for everything a player represents.

The Merchandising Machine

Cricket boards and franchises have capitalised on this connection. Player-specific merchandise, particularly T20 kits, are major revenue streams. During the IPL, jerseys featuring numbers like 7 (Dhoni), 18 (Kohli), and 63 (Ruturaj Gaikwad) fly off the shelves.

The Meme Economy

Jersey numbers often become meme fodder on social media — from fans joking about unlucky numbers to celebratory edits after a player scores a century or takes a hat-trick.

In short, fans assign meaning to numbers. A bowler’s number becomes shorthand for pace and aggression. A batter’s number might reflect grace or grit. As the sport becomes more global and commercial, numbers only grow in cultural weight.

Conclusion: Why Jersey Numbers in Cricket Are More Than Just Digits

At a glance, they’re just stitched numbers on a polyester shirt. But to the players who wear them and the millions who watch, jersey numbers in cricket are anything but ordinary. They carry stories, legacies, rituals, and sometimes even grief. They’re identifiers, yes — but they’re also emblems of identity.

From Sachin’s 10 to Dhoni’s 7, from lucky picks to commemorative tributes, these numbers hold power. They bridge fans to heroes, old traditions to new formats, and the game’s past to its ever-evolving future.

In a world of multi-format cricket, international leagues, and marketing empires, jersey numbers have quietly become one of the sport’s most personal and permanent fixtures. And while players may one day retire, their numbers often keep playing on — stitched into memory, and into history.