A cricket jersey number is more than a number printed on the back of a shirt. It often represents a player’s identity, personal memories and achievements. Over the years, numbers such as 7, 10 and 18 have become closely associated with some of the biggest names in cricket.
MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli have made their jersey numbers instantly recognisable among fans. Franchise cricket has added another dimension, with teams such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders retiring numbers to honour players who made a lasting contribution.
What Is the Best Jersey Number in Cricket?
There is no officially recognised best jersey number in cricket. However, No. 7 is one of the most iconic numbers because of MS Dhoni, while No. 10 and No. 18 are equally memorable through Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Other numbers, including 45, 17 and 333, also have strong associations with legendary players.
The choice ultimately depends on the player’s achievements and the meaning attached to the number. Some numbers represent personal dates, while others become famous through memorable performances and long associations with a team.
Top 10 Most Iconic Jersey Numbers in Cricket
The following table highlights ten recognisable jersey numbers associated with international and franchise cricket. This is an editorial selection based on player recognition, achievements and influence, not an official ICC ranking.
| Jersey Number | Player | Team or Association | Why It Is Iconic |
| 7 | MS Dhoni | India, Chennai Super Kings | World Cup winning captain |
| 10 | Sachin Tendulkar | India, Mumbai Indians | 100 international centuries |
| 18 | Virat Kohli | India, Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Records and personal connection |
| 45 | Rohit Sharma | India, Mumbai Indians | Five IPL titles as MI captain |
| 12 | Andre Russell | West Indies, Kolkata Knight Riders | KKR tribute and all round performances |
| 17 | AB de Villiers | South Africa, Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Innovative batting and RCB legacy |
| 333 | Chris Gayle | West Indies, Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Famous Test score and T20 dominance |
| 99 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | Record breaking spin bowling career |
| 12 | Yuvraj Singh | India | 2007 and 2011 World Cup performances |
| 3 | Suresh Raina | Chennai Super Kings | CSK career and consistent performances |
No. 12 appears twice because Andre Russell and Yuvraj Singh both wore it for their respective teams. Raina wore No. 48 in ODI cricket for India and No. 3 for Chennai Super Kings.
1. Jersey Number 7: MS Dhoni
Source: Hindustan Times
MS Dhoni made jersey number 7 one of the most recognisable numbers in cricket. The former India captain wore it throughout his international career and became associated with it through major achievements, including India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories.
The number also has a personal connection because Dhoni was born on 7 July. In December 2023, the BCCI retired No. 7 from use in Indian international cricket as a tribute to his contribution. His association with the number continues through Chennai Super Kings.
2. Jersey Number 10: Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10 jersey is one of cricket’s most recognisable symbols. He wore it during much of his international career, scoring 100 international centuries and becoming the first batter to reach 200 in men’s ODI cricket.
The BCCI retired No. 10 from use in Indian international cricket in 2017. The decision followed a controversy when Shardul Thakur wore the number during his ODI debut against Sri Lanka on 31 August 2017. Tendulkar’s number remains closely associated with his achievements, and Mumbai Indians have also retired it as a tribute.
3. Jersey Number 18: Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli’s No. 18 jersey represents consistency, intensity and outstanding batting achievements. He first received the number while playing for India’s Under 19 team in 2008 and continued wearing it after making his senior international debut on 18 August 2008.
Kohli has also explained the personal importance of the number. His father passed away on 18 December 2006, and his international debut came on the 18th day of a month. These events gave No. 18 a deeper meaning for him and his fans.
4. Jersey Number 45: Rohit Sharma
Source: NDTV Sports
Rohit Sharma is widely recognised by jersey number 45. The Indian batter has worn this number throughout much of his international career and during his successful time with Mumbai Indians.
His achievements include three ODI double centuries and five IPL titles as Mumbai Indians captain. His batting records and leadership have made No. 45 familiar among cricket supporters in India and around the world.
5. Jersey Number 12: Andre Russell
Andre Russell made No. 12 famous during his long association with Kolkata Knight Riders. His powerful batting, big hitting and fast bowling made him one of the franchise’s most influential players. Russell represented KKR from 2014 to 2025, apart from the 2017 season.
Russell announced his IPL retirement on 30 November 2025 and was set to join KKR’s support staff as a Power Coach. On 25 March 2026, KKR officially retired his No. 12 jersey during its Knights Unplugged event. The tribute recognised his contribution to the franchise, including its IPL title victories in 2014 and 2024.
6. Jersey Number 17: AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers is closely associated with jersey number 17. The South African batter chose the number because he was born on 17 February. His innovative stroke play and ability to score runs in difficult situations made him one of the most popular players in international and franchise cricket.
His association with Royal Challengers Bengaluru made No. 17 especially popular among IPL fans. De Villiers played 11 seasons for RCB from 2011 to 2021, scoring 4,491 runs in 156 matches at a strike rate of 158.64. RCB retired his jersey number during its Hall of Fame ceremony on 26 March 2023.
7. Jersey Number 333: Chris Gayle
Source: DieHard Cricket Fans
Chris Gayle’s jersey number 333 stands out because it is different from the usual two digit numbers worn by most cricketers. The number is associated with his famous Test score of 333 against Sri Lanka in 2010, one of the most memorable innings of his international career.
Gayle played seven seasons for RCB from 2011 to 2017 and scored 3,163 runs in 85 matches. His most memorable IPL season came in 2013, when he scored 708 runs in 16 matches, including an unbeaten 175. RCB retired his No. 333 jersey alongside AB de Villiers’ No. 17 in March 2023.
8. Jersey Number 99: Muttiah Muralitharan
Muttiah Muralitharan wore jersey number 99 for Sri Lanka. He remains one of the most successful bowlers in cricket history, finishing his Test career with 800 wickets and his ODI career with 534 wickets.
His remarkable bowling achievements made him a global cricket icon. Although No. 99 is not discussed as frequently as Dhoni’s or Kohli’s number, it remains closely connected with one of the greatest spin bowlers the game has seen.
9. Jersey Number 12: Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh wore No. 12 for India and became one of the most celebrated all rounders of his generation. His performances in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup remain important parts of Indian cricket history.
His six sixes in one over against Stuart Broad during the 2007 T20 World Cup made him a household name. For Indian fans, No. 12 brings back memories of his match winning batting and bowling performances. The same number was also worn by Andre Russell for KKR, which is why it appears twice in this list.
10. Jersey Number 3: Suresh Raina
Source: Hindustan Times
Suresh Raina’s jersey number depends on the team and format. He wore No. 48 in ODI cricket for India, which is the number listed in our Indian cricket jersey numbers reference. However, he wore No. 3 for Chennai Super Kings, where he became one of the franchise’s most dependable batters.
Raina played an important role in CSK’s success through his aggressive batting, sharp fielding and ability to perform under pressure. His long association with the franchise made No. 3 familiar among IPL supporters. The distinction between his India and CSK numbers explains why both numbers appear in different jersey number records.
Why Do Cricket Players Choose Specific Jersey Numbers?
Cricketers choose jersey numbers for different reasons. Personal memories, birth dates, availability and individual preferences can all influence their decisions.
Some well known examples include:
- Date of birth: MS Dhoni’s birthday is 7 July, which is connected with his No. 7 jersey.
- Birth date: AB de Villiers was born on 17 February and wore No. 17.
- Personal milestones: Virat Kohli has explained the importance of No. 18 because of events connected with that date.
- Available numbers: Some players select an available number when joining a team and continue using it throughout their careers.
- Career memories: A jersey number can become special after a major tournament, record or memorable performance.
- Fan identity: Once a player becomes famous, supporters often buy and wear jerseys carrying the same number.
Which Cricket Teams Have Retired Jersey Numbers?
Retiring a jersey number means a team decides not to assign that number to another player. It is usually done to recognise someone who made an exceptional contribution to the team.
Some important examples from Indian cricket and the IPL include:
- Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10: The BCCI retired the number from use in Indian international cricket in 2017.
- MS Dhoni’s No. 7: The BCCI retired the number from use in Indian international cricket in December 2023.
- AB de Villiers’ No. 17: RCB retired the number in honour of the South African batter.
- Chris Gayle’s No. 333: RCB retired the number alongside de Villiers’ No. 17.
- Andre Russell’s No. 12: KKR retired the number in March 2026.
These decisions show how jersey numbers can become part of a team’s identity. A retired number is a tribute to a player’s contribution and achievements.
Why Did RCB Retire Jersey Numbers 17 and 333?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru retired the jersey numbers of AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle to recognise their contributions to the franchise. The announcement was made in March 2023, with both numbers formally retired during the RCB Hall of Fame induction on 26 March 2023 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
De Villiers played 11 seasons for RCB between 2011 and 2021. He scored 4,491 runs in 156 matches at a strike rate of 158.64, becoming one of the franchise’s most successful batters.
Gayle’s journey with RCB was different. He went unsold at the 2011 IPL auction before the franchise signed him as a replacement for the injured Dirk Nannes. He played seven seasons for RCB from 2011 to 2017, scoring 3,163 runs in 85 matches. His 175 not out against Pune Warriors India in 2013 remains one of the most memorable innings in IPL history.
The retirement of No. 17 and No. 333 recognised two players who helped shape RCB’s identity and created a lasting connection with its supporters.
What Changed in Cricket Jersey Numbers in 2026?
The 2026 IPL season brought fresh attention to jersey numbers, particularly through the retirement of Andre Russell’s No. 12 by KKR. Other claims about players changing their numbers also circulated online, but they need to be separated from officially confirmed updates.
Did MS Dhoni Change His Jersey Number From 7 to 8?
A social media post in March 2026 created speculation that MS Dhoni was moving from No. 7 to No. 8. The post showed a No. 8 jersey and included a message suggesting a change.
However, the post did not establish an official change. There was no confirmed announcement from Chennai Super Kings or the IPL that Dhoni had changed his playing number. The No. 8 claim should therefore be treated as unconfirmed speculation, not as an established update. No. 7 remains the number associated with Dhoni’s cricketing career.
Why Did KKR Retire Andre Russell’s Jersey Number 12?
KKR retired Andre Russell’s No. 12 jersey on 25 March 2026 during its Knights Unplugged event. Russell had announced his IPL retirement on 30 November 2025 and was set to join the franchise’s support staff as its Power Coach.
Russell represented KKR from 2014 to 2025, apart from the 2017 season. His contribution included two IPL title victories in 2014 and 2024, making the retirement of his number a tribute to his long association with the franchise.
Did KL Rahul Change His Jersey Number From 1 to 2?
Claims about KL Rahul switching from No. 1 to No. 2 have also circulated online. However, without a reliable team or official announcement confirming a permanent change, this should not be presented as an established update.
Jersey numbers can vary between teams and competitions. Individual appearances should not automatically be treated as proof of a permanent change.
Conclusion
There is no single official answer to the best jersey number in cricket. No. 7 has a strong claim because of MS Dhoni’s leadership and World Cup victories, while No. 10 and No. 18 remain iconic through Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
The stories behind No. 17 and No. 333 show how franchise players can leave a lasting legacy, while KKR’s retirement of Andre Russell’s No. 12 adds another example. Ultimately, a jersey number becomes iconic through the achievements, memories and connection that a player builds with fans.
FAQs
No. 7 is one of the most iconic numbers in cricket because of MS Dhoni. However, No. 10 and No. 18 are also memorable because of Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
Jersey number 7 is famous because MS Dhoni wore it throughout his international career. He led India to the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup titles. The BCCI retired the number from Indian international cricket in December 2023.
Kohli received No. 18 while playing for India’s Under 19 team. The number later became personally significant because his international debut and his father’s death were connected with the 18th day of a month.
The BCCI retired Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10 and MS Dhoni’s No. 7 from Indian international cricket. RCB retired AB de Villiers’ No. 17 and Chris Gayle’s No. 333. KKR retired Andre Russell’s No. 12 in March 2026.
Suresh Raina wore No. 48 in ODI cricket for India and No. 3 for Chennai Super Kings. His jersey number therefore depends on the team and format being discussed.
RCB retired No. 17 and No. 333 to honour the contributions of AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. Both numbers were retired during the franchise’s Hall of Fame induction on 26 March 2023.
There was speculation after a social media post in March 2026, but no official confirmation from Chennai Super Kings or the IPL established a change. No. 7 remains the number associated with Dhoni.
