BCCI retired Virat Kohli’s jersey number 18. This decision came after Kohli quit Test cricket last month. The board wants to honor their former captain properly.
Kohli wore this number for over ten years in Tests. He scored 8,848 runs in 113 Test matches for India. His retirement shocked fans who expected him to continue.
England Captain Stokes Speaks About Kohli’s Impact
Ben Stokes talked about facing Kohli in many cricket series. The England captain said battling Kohli was always tough work. Stokes admits he will miss competing against the Indian.
“I think what India will miss will be his fighting spirit out in the game, his competitiveness, and his desire to win. He’s made number 18 his, hasn’t he? It would be a bit weird not seeing number 18 out on the back of any Indian shirt.” Stokes said.
The number 18 jersey retired means cricket loses a fighter. Stokes remembers their heated exchanges during close matches between teams.
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Kohli Still Plays ODI Cricket for Team India
Kohli walked away from Test cricket in May this year. However, he still plays one-day matches for the team. His target remains the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
Rohit Sharma made the same choice as his teammate recently. Both veterans focus on limited-overs cricket now instead. Kohli hit 29 Test centuries wearing his iconic jersey.
Kids across India tried copying Kohli’s batting style for years. Virat Kohli’s jersey number 18 inspired a whole generation of players. Cricket academies saw more children joining after watching him play.
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Why BCCI Made This Special Decision
Cricket boards rarely retire jersey numbers of former players worldwide. BCCI felt Kohli deserved this honor after his contributions. His aggressive batting changed how India approached overseas cricket tours.
Kohli captained India in 68 Test matches successfully before stepping down. He led the team to historic wins in Australia. The number 18 jersey retired ceremony will happen next month.
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Former cricketers from different countries praised BCCI’s decision about Kohli. His Test career ended but people remember his passionate performances. Cricket fans still hope to see him in ODIs.
Kohli’s retirement leaves a big gap in Indian cricket. The number 18 jersey retired marks the end of the era. New players must step up and fill his shoes.
