Cricket fans notice jersey numbers more than ever today. From packed IPL stadiums to international broadcasts, a player’s number has become part of their identity. Kids copy it on local grounds. Fans search it during matches. And selectors now treat numbers as fixed, not temporary. This guide explains jersey numbers in cricket from 1 to 100, covering India and world cricket, with current context and real player examples.
The goal here is simple. If you want to know who wore which number, why certain numbers repeat, and how jersey numbers work across formats, this article gives clear answers without noise.
What are jersey numbers in cricket and why they matter
Jersey numbers in cricket are player identification numbers printed on the back of the shirt. They help fans, umpires, broadcasters, and teams instantly recognize players, especially in limited-overs formats.
In modern cricket, jersey numbers matter for a few clear reasons.
- They help viewers follow fast-paced formats like ODIs and T20s
- They become personal brands for star players
- They remain fixed across tournaments for consistency
- They support merchandising and fan connection
Once a player chooses a number for international cricket, boards usually lock it in. In India, numbers are rarely changed after debut. This stability is why fans remember numbers as strongly as names.
Jersey numbers 1 to 10 in cricket (India and world)
Lower numbers are often linked to early squad registration or senior players from earlier eras. In some teams, number 1 still carries symbolic weight.
- 1: KL Rahul (India, limited-overs phases), Gary Sobers (West Indies legacy use)
- 2: Shane Watson (Australia), Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan)
- 3: Cheteshwar Pujara (India Tests), Kane Williamson (New Zealand in early career)
- 4: Virat Kohli (India), one of the most recognized numbers in cricket
- 5: Gautam Gambhir (India), AB de Villiers (South Africa early)
- 6: MS Dhoni (India), a global fan favorite
- 7: MS Dhoni earlier domestic use, also worn by Stephen Fleming
- 8: Ravindra Jadeja (India)
- 9: Rohit Sharma (India), tied closely to white-ball cricket
- 10: Sachin Tendulkar (India), the most iconic jersey number in cricket history
These numbers show how legacy builds. When a great player fixes a number, future players rarely reuse it in the same team.
Jersey numbers 11 to 25 in cricket
This range is common among all-rounders, bowlers, and modern-era batters. Many current internationals fall here.
- 11: Mohammed Shami (India), Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
- 12: Yuvraj Singh (India), used widely in ODIs
- 13: Hardik Pandya (India), superstition-based choice
- 14: Dwayne Bravo (West Indies)
- 15: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India)
- 16: Mitchell Starc (Australia)
- 17: Rishabh Pant (India)
- 18: Virat Kohli (India, earlier U19 and domestic)
- 19: Ben Stokes (England)
- 20: Axar Patel (India)
- 21: Yuzvendra Chahal (India)
- 22: Kane Williamson (New Zealand)
- 23: Jasprit Bumrah (India), inspired by Michael Jordan
- 24: Sunil Narine (West Indies)
- 25: Shikhar Dhawan (India)
This band shows modern influence. Personal idols, birthdays, and global sports culture now shape number choices.
Jersey numbers 26 to 50 in cricket
Mid-range numbers are now common, especially since squads expanded and players debuted younger across formats.
- 26: Chris Gayle (West Indies)
- 27: Ajinkya Rahane (India)
- 28: KL Rahul (India current)
- 29: Pat Cummins (Australia)
- 30: Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
- 31: David Warner (Australia)
- 32: Sanju Samson (India)
- 33: Matthew Hayden (Australia later career)
- 34: Hardik Pandya (India early domestic)
- 35: Mohammed Siraj (India)
- 36: Ravi Bishnoi (India)
- 37: Shardul Thakur (India)
- 38: Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)
- 40: Washington Sundar (India)
- 41: Rohit Sharma (India early career)
- 42: Shubman Gill (India)
- 45: Rohit Sharma (India current and most known)
- 48: Suryakumar Yadav (India)
- 49: Alex Carey (Australia)
- 50: Devon Conway (New Zealand)
This range reflects the IPL era. Players debut earlier, stick with one number, and carry it across leagues.
Jersey numbers 51 to 75 in cricket
Higher numbers became normal only in the last decade. They are common among newer players and associate nations.
- 51: Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka later career)
- 52: Kuldeep Yadav (India)
- 55: Ben Stokes (England earlier ODI)
- 56: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
- 57: Mohammed Shami (India domestic)
- 63: Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal)
- 66: Eoin Morgan (England)
- 69: Chris Gayle (West Indies, league cricket)
- 70: Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
- 72: Ruturaj Gaikwad (India)
- 73: Ish Sodhi (New Zealand)
- 74: Avesh Khan (India)
- 75: Ishan Kishan (India)
This section shows how cricket is widening. Numbers once seen as odd are now mainstream.
Jersey numbers 76 to 100 in cricket
These numbers are mostly seen in T20 leagues, debut series, or among younger international players.
- 77: Shubman Gill (India limited-overs phase), also popular globally
- 80: Saqib Mahmood (England)
- 81: Phil Salt (England)
- 85: Kagiso Rabada (South Africa leagues)
- 88: Shahid Afridi (Pakistan leagues)
- 90: Umran Malik (India)
- 93: Jasprit Bumrah (India training use)
- 94: Mohammed Siraj (India nets)
- 99: Chris Gayle (West Indies, iconic league number)
- 100: Rare and ceremonial, not fixed in internationals
Numbers above 75 show modern freedom. Boards allow players to choose meaningful numbers without traditional limits.
How Indian cricket team players choose jersey numbers
Indian players usually select numbers based on personal belief, past success, or role models. Once chosen, the BCCI keeps it consistent across formats.
- Numbers are locked after debut
- Retired legends’ numbers are unofficially avoided
- Players carry the same number in IPL and internationals
- Changes are rare and need approval
This policy builds fan memory. When fans see number 45 or 18, recognition is instant.
Jersey number rules across formats and tournaments
Cricket has fewer restrictions than football, but rules still exist.
- ICC requires visible numbers for limited-overs formats
- Test cricket introduced names and numbers permanently in recent seasons
- Domestic leagues allow wider number ranges
- Duplicate numbers in the same XI are not allowed
These rules support clarity in fast broadcasts and global streaming.
FAQs on jersey numbers in cricket
Who decides jersey numbers in cricket
Players choose their jersey numbers, and the cricket board approves them before official registration.
Can two players have the same jersey number
Yes across different teams, but never in the same playing XI during a match.
Why is number 10 famous in Indian cricket
Number 10 is famous because Sachin Tendulkar wore it throughout his international career.
Does jersey number affect performance
No, jersey numbers have no impact on performance and are purely personal or symbolic.
Can players change their jersey number
Players can request a change, but most boards discourage frequent changes.
Are jersey numbers used in Test cricket
Yes, Test cricket now uses permanent jersey numbers with names on the back.
Why do many players choose number 7 or 18
These numbers are linked to MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, inspiring younger players.
Is jersey number 99 allowed in cricket
Yes, number 99 is allowed and famously worn by Chris Gayle in league cricket.
Do IPL and international jersey numbers stay the same
Most Indian players keep the same number across IPL and international matches.
What is the highest jersey number used in cricket
Numbers up to 100 are allowed, though very high numbers are uncommon in internationals.
Final thoughts on jersey numbers in cricket
Jersey numbers in cricket are no longer just identifiers. They carry memory, fandom, and personal meaning. From Sachin Tendulkar’s 10 to Rohit Sharma’s 45 and Virat Kohli’s 18, numbers have become part of cricket culture. As formats grow faster and leagues expand, expect even more unique numbers on the field, especially from the next generation of players.
