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Mukesh Kumar Wears Retired Virat Kohli's Jersey Number '18,' Leads To Fan Outrage

Akshita Patel

Mukesh Kumar seen in Virat Kohli's jersey [Source: @imAnthoni_, @moiz_sports/X.com]Mukesh Kumar seen in Virat Kohli's jersey [Source: @imAnthoni_, @moiz_sports/X.com]

Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar caused a stir on social media after he was seen wearing the No. 18 jersey during India A’s match against the England Lions. This number was famously worn by Virat Kohli, who retired from Test cricket last month, and fans are unhappy with Mukesh’s latest manoeuvre.

Kohli, one of India’s greatest modern-day batters, quit Test cricket in May in what turned out to be a bombshell social media announcement. He stepped down just weeks ahead of India’s 5-Test tour to England.

Meanwhile, Kohli’s iconic jersey number ‘18’ is apparently up for grabs, as India’s fast bowler was recently seen sporting the number in a warm-up game.

Mukesh Kumar Gets His Hand On Jersey No.18

Before the 5-Test series begins on June 20, India A is competing in an unofficial Test game against England Lions at Canterbury. India’s Mukesh Kumar, who usually wears jersey number 49, was spotted in the number 18 shirt, and it didn't go unnoticed. 

Fans on social media expressed anger, with many saying the BCCI should retire the jersey out of respect for Virat Kohli, just like Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10 was retired in limited-overs cricket.

Kohli has worn number 18 since the beginning of his career, and it has become synonymous with his name. However, Mukesh’s manoeuvre didn’t sit well with fans as they criticised him on social media.

Fan tweet on Mukesh Kumar [Source: @SohelVkf/X.com]Fan tweet on Mukesh Kumar [Source: @SohelVkf/X.com]

Despite the drama, Mukesh performed really well on the field. On Day 3, when England Lions looked strong at 237/2, he bowled an amazing spell, picking up 3 wickets in four overs.

Karun Nair Stakes Test Comeback Claim With Double Century For India A

Meanwhile, in the first inning, Karun Nair made a strong case for a Test return by smashing a superb double century in Canterbury. After India A lost openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Abhimanyu Easwaran early, Nair steadied the innings with composed partnerships alongside Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel. 

Displaying elegant stroke-play, Nair reached his double hundred by dispatching a short ball from Eddie Jack to the boundary. He celebrated by kissing the Indian flag on his helmet, earning loud cheers. This knock could put him in contention for India’s Test series opener against England in Leeds.