Virat Kohli jersey number is 18. This number is now synonymous with him being one of the best-known and loved cricketers in India. He wears this jersey when he plays for both the Indian national cricket team and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Cricket fans around the world recognize the number 18 jersey immediately.
Virat Kohli’s jersey number is much more than simply a brand identity or a matter of choice; it represents an emotional attachment to his early days of playing cricket and the death of his father, Prem Nath Kohli. Over time, the number has represented Kohli’s commitment, reliability, and accomplishments in international cricket.
Virat Kohli Jersey Number: What Number Does He Wear?
Virat Kohli wears jersey number 18 in international cricket and the IPL. The number has remained a defining part of his cricketing identity throughout his career.
Kohli first came into the spotlight as a young Indian cricketer and later established himself as one of the leading batters of his generation. As his popularity grew, his number 18 jersey became popular among fans who wanted to wear the same number as their favourite player.
Here is a quick overview of Virat Kohli’s jersey number.
| Detail | Information |
| Cricketer | Virat Kohli |
| Jersey number | 18 |
| Indian team jersey | Number 18 |
| IPL team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| RCB jersey number | 18 |
| Number associated with | His cricketing identity and personal history |
| Father’s name | Prem Nath Kohli |
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Why Does Virat Kohli Wear Jersey Number 18?
The reason Virat Kohli wears jersey number 18 is because he received this number when he first joined the Indian Under-19 team. While he did not pick the number himself at the time, it eventually took on a significant meaning for him due to two major events in his life.
In a conversation with Star Sports in 2023, Kohli explained the importance of his shirt number. He remembered being given the #18 shirt when he unboxed his India Under-19 kit. Later, he realized that two significant events in his life had occurred on the 18th day of a month.
- December 18, 2006: The date his father, Prem Nath Kohli, passed away.
- August 18, 2008: The date of his ODI debut for India.
The Story Behind Virat Kohli’s Number 18 Jersey
The story behind Virat Kohli’s number 18 shirt started when he was playing as a junior cricketer. As captain, he led the Indian team to win the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia in 2008. His success at this level made it clear that he had the potential to be one of the best young batters in the world and would soon get the opportunity to play for the senior national side.
In addition to the previous significant events related to the number, Kohli’s ODI debut was made against Sri Lanka on August 18th of that same year.
Kohli’s path was not without its own set of personal challenges. When Kohli was a teenager and just starting to compete in professional cricket, he lost his father in December 2006. Even though he had suffered such a tragic loss, Kohli continued to play a Ranji Trophy game for Delhi. He later stated that this event was probably one of the most defining experiences of his life.
The connection of his father’s death with his first international match gave number 18 great significance. Number 18 has become a well-known part of Kohli’s story as he developed from a talented young player into an internationally recognized star.
Virat Kohli Jersey Number in IPL and RCB
| IPL detail | Information |
| IPL team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
| Jersey number | 18 |
| IPL debut season | 2008 |
| Playing role | Batter |
| Jersey identity | Kohli’s name and number 18 |
| Fan recognition | One of the most recognisable player jerseys |
Virat Kohli Jersey Number in ODI, Test and T20 Cricket
Virat Kohli’s jersey number has been 18 throughout his senior international career. His number is associated with his appearances for India in the formats he has played, as well as his IPL career with RCB. The Board of Control for Cricket in India also lists him with the number 18 on its official player profile.
Here is a breakdown of his jersey number across cricket formats.
| Cricket format | Virat Kohli’s jersey number |
| One Day Internationals (ODIs) | 18 |
| Test cricket | 18 |
| Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) | 18 |
| Indian Premier League (IPL) | 18 |
| RCB matches | 18 |
Why Is Number 18 Special to Virat Kohli?
Virat Kohli has a connection to the number 18 as well. His professional success and personal memories both relate to the number. When he got the number, he didn’t ask for it. However, the events surrounding the acquisition of the number made the number significant to him.
His ODI debut took place on August 18th 2008 and that was the start of his International Career. However, December 18th is still linked to the passing away of his Father. Kohli has stated publicly that both dates have had an impact on the connection he feels with the number.
The number has developed a strong association with cricket fan base. Fans use the number to represent Kohli’s style of aggressive play, his ability to produce consistently, his focus on maintaining physical fitness and his determination to succeed in times of high stress.
For many young cricketers, the number 18 shirt is a way of showing their respect for Kohli. This shirt can now be seen regularly during both international cricket matches and IPL matches, particularly when RCB plays.
Virat Kohli Jersey Number Meaning and Its Connection to His Father
The relationship that exists between Virat Kohli’s jersey number and his father is perhaps one of the most sentimental elements within this narrative.
Prem Nath Kohli, the father of Virat Kohli, died on December 18, 2006. At the time of his father’s death, Virat was a young cricketer who had set himself a goal of representing India. Despite the loss of his father, Virat continued to play in a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi, showing the same dedication and commitment that has become so characteristic of his career.
It’s worth noting that Kohli was given the jersey number 18 prior to his father’s death. While he initially chose this number for reasons other than honoring his father, it has since become emotionally significant due to what happened after.
The date of his first International One-Day International (ODI) match was also the 18th of a month, which was August 2008. Kohli explained that he believes there is a cosmic connection to the significance of the number 18 to him.
The fact that Virat Kohli was first given jersey number 18 and later found it to have a personal meaning for him is what makes this jersey number so much more than just a “lucky” number.
Is Virat Kohli Jersey Number 18 Retired?
Virat Kohli’s number 18 jersey has not been officially retired by the Indian Cricket Team nor has it been retired by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as of October 2026.
Kohli is still playing in both ODI cricket and the IPL; therefore, the number will remain associated with him throughout his playing career. Even though he retired from test cricket and t20 international cricket, it does not mean his jersey number has been retired.
The retiring of a player’s number by a team or a governing body is done to honor him/her, however, the retirement must be announced officially. It is possible for fans to wish for Kohli’s number 18 to receive this honor in the future, but it should not be stated that this has occurred.
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Virat Kohli Jersey Price: Where to Buy Number 18 Jersey
| Jersey Type | Company / Brand | Approximate Price in India |
| Official RCB 2026 VK18 Replica Jersey | PUMA | ₹2,599 |
| Official RCB 2026 VK18 Match Jersey | PUMA | ₹5,999 |
| RCB Official Match Jersey | PUMA | ₹4,124–₹5,499 |
| Virat Kohli Number 18 Fan Jersey | Myntra marketplace (various sellers) | Varies by seller and design |
| Budget Number 18 Jersey | Various local and online brands | ₹300–₹1,000 (approx.) |
Conclusion
Virat Kohli jersey number 18 is more than just a number on the back of his cricket shirt. This number was first assigned to Virat when he was playing under-19 cricket. However, after his father died, and he made his ODI debut, this number began to have special significance for Virat. Since then, the number 18 has become a symbol of Virat’s cricket career, especially for Indian cricket fans and RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore) supporters. To Virat, the number 18 represents some of the most memorable moments in both his personal and professional lives, as well as a continuous bond with the sport.
FAQs
1.What is Virat Kohli jersey number?
Virat Kohli’s jersey number is 18. He is associated with this number in international cricket and the Indian Premier League.
2.Why does Virat Kohli wear number 18?
Kohli was initially assigned number 18 during his Under-19 cricket days. It later became personally significant because his father passed away on December 18, 2006, and he made his ODI debut on August 18, 2008.
3.What is Virat Kohli’s jersey number in IPL?
Virat Kohli wears jersey number 18 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL.
4.Is Virat Kohli’s jersey number 18 in all formats?
Yes, number 18 has been his jersey number across Test, ODI and T20 international cricket, as well as the IPL. He has since retired from Tests and T20 internationals but continues playing ODIs and the IPL.
5.Why is number 18 important in Virat Kohli’s life?
The number connects two major milestones: his father’s passing on December 18, 2006, and his ODI debut on August 18, 2008. Kohli has publicly described the connection as meaningful.
6.Is Virat Kohli’s jersey number retired?
No official retirement of jersey number 18 by India or RCB has been established as of October 2026. Kohli continues to use the number during his active playing career.
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Ananya Singh covers international cricket, major tournaments, and league matches. She focuses on match previews, player form, team combinations, and key moments that can shape a game.
