Mukesh Kumar sparks outrage by wearing Virat Kohli’s iconic No. 18 jersey in India A vs England Lions match

Indian pacer Mukesh Kumar shocked everyone by walking onto the field wearing jersey number 18 during the ongoing first unofficial Test match between India A and England Lions in Canterbury. It has sparked big drama among the fans on social media, as this legendary jersey number has been part of Virat Kohli’s identity throughout his glorious career.

Fans were left furious and emotional, accusing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of being too quick to hand over the iconic number after Virat Kohli’s recent retirement from Test cricket. For fans, jersey No. 18 is more than just a number, as it has become synonymous with Kohli’s fighting spirit, aggressive mindset, greatness, passion, and unmatched commitment to the game.

Fans left fuming as Mukesh Kumar wears Virat Kohli’s jersey number 18

As soon as the pictures of Mukesh Kumar wearing number 18 went viral, fans expressed their anger. Many demanded that the BCCI retire Virat Kohli’s jersey number 18 from Test cricket for his immense contribution to the traditional format of the game.

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As of now, the BCCI has not issued any official statement on whether Virat Kohli’s jersey number will be retired or whether other players will be allowed to wear it in the Tests. However, the BCCI had earlier retired Sachin Tendulkar’s and MS Dhoni’s jersey numbers 10 and 7, respectively, as a tribute to their contribution to Indian cricket.

However, Kohli has not retired from ODI cricket, so it is highly unlikely that the former Indian captain’s jersey number would be retired anytime soon by the BCCI.

Here's how fans react to No. 18's return to Indian whites:

Mukesh kumar wearing kohli's Jersey💔💔 pic.twitter.com/rRkMbqdp5j

— ᴊᴇʀsᴇʏ¹⁸🚩 (@KINGNATION__18) May 31, 2025

Yah kaun hai kuposhit?

— आदित्य🇮🇳 (@Aditya4BMR) May 31, 2025

Retire Jersey no. 18 from test cricket @BCCI

— Viratian (@Viratian1278919) May 31, 2025

How can it be a disrespect, even Shardul wore no.10 of Sachin's. That time same fan base guys told it cannot be retired may be it's his favourite and all , if you go on retiring every number there won't be any numbers to wear in future after 20-30 years

— Vrmaneesha (@maneeshavr90362) June 1, 2025

Why? Indian Cricket hasn't retired that jersey number. And how is it a disrespect? Kohli's identity is be his game and not by a number. Let anybody wear it. Nothing touches the legacy of Kohli.

— Gaurav Shukla (@GauravS28903J) June 1, 2025

I don’t know why cricket team doesn’t do “Jersey Retirement” like NBA or MLB. It just makes sense to honor the legends of the game. 18, 10, 7 should be never worn again as sign of respect.

— Ash Cohle (@ashcohle) June 1, 2025

And it can't be पनवाड़ी Mukesh

— Chinmay Naik (@starchinu) May 31, 2025

retire the number

— Goगोल (@GoGool100) June 1, 2025

India A
Don’t think it will be in main team

— Pranav Singh (@ImPranav7316) May 31, 2025

If they don't retire no 18 jersey, it will be sheer disrespect to Kohli's Stature and Career. These BCCI clowns deserve a downfall ASAP. Shame on BCCI 🤡. pic.twitter.com/LQtxoy7t2c

— Kaisar (@Kaisariscute) May 31, 2025

Virat Kohli's emotional bond with jersey number 18

Notably, Kohli’s jersey number 18 holds a very special place in his heart. It’s not just a number for him, but it has both personal and professional connections.

The former Indian cricket team captain made his international debut on August 18, and sadly, he also lost his father on December 18, 2006. So, the number 18 is close to Kohli’s heart, and he has sported the number since making his debut for India.

Read Also: Joe Root can’t break Sachin Tendulkar's record? Ex-England star issues stern India-Australia warning

Monty Panesar drops a bombshell on Virat Kohli's Test retirement

Meanwhile, former England spinner Monty Panesar has shockingly claimed that Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket to skip the England tour.

With India set to play a five-match Test series against England, starting June 20, Panesar said that Kohli may have retired due to concerns over form and pressure.

Monty Panesar was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times, “I genuinely thought he was going to play. Everyone, including England, was expecting him to be part of the series. I’m surprised that he has pulled out."

Notably, Kohli will be next seen in action in the IPL 2025 final on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. RCB will face either PBKS or MI in the title clash. It will be decided after the Qualifier 2 clash on Sunday, June 1, in Ahmedabad between PBKS and MI.