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Rishabh Pant wears Virat Kohli’s No. 18 jersey on return to action
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant made a highly anticipated return to competitive cricket, leading India A in the first four-day match against South Africa A in Bengaluru. However, what caught everyone’s attention was not just his comeback — but his choice of jersey.
Pant was seen wearing the No. 18 jersey, famously associated with Virat Kohli, a number symbolic of the former Indian captain’s legendary career. The move sparked widespread social media debate, with fans questioning whether Kohli’s number should have been retired following his Test retirement in May 2025.
The 28-year-old Pant had been out of action for three months due to a foot injury sustained during the England Test series. His recovery, supervised at the National Cricket Academy, focused on regaining fitness and rhythm with both bat and gloves. The India A assignment marks a crucial step in his journey back to full form, especially with the Test series against South Africa on the horizon.
BCCI officials later clarified that India A jerseys are not fixed and do not carry player names, allowing players to pick any number. This means Pant’s choice was not permanent or symbolic in official terms.
Despite this clarification, fans continued to discuss whether Kohli’s No. 18 should be preserved as a tribute — similar to how the BCCI retired Tendulkar’s No. 10 and Dhoni’s No. 7 jerseys.
Pant’s return, combined with the jersey debate, reignited conversations about legacy, symbolism, and the future leadership of Indian cricket. As he looks to reclaim his spot in the senior side, his performance in this series could play a defining role in his red-ball comeback.
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Published: Oct 30, 2025
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