'No hate but it's a shame': Fans fume as Mukesh Kumar wears Virat Kohli’s No. 18 against England Lions
Updated On: 01 June, 2025 10:53 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondent
Several users on X (formerly Twitter) condemned the move, with a growing chorus calling on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to retire Kohli’s jersey number, much like how Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10 was taken out of circulation after his retirement
Mukesh Kumar during India A match against England Lions, Virat Kohli (Pic: X/AFP)
India A pacer Mukesh Kumar on Sunday stirred controversy after taking the field in Virat Kohli’s iconic No. 18 jersey during the ongoing unofficial Test match against the England Lions in Canterbury. The incident quickly sparked outrage across social media, with fans expressing displeasure over what they perceived as a lack of respect for the former Indian captain’s legacy.
?? 3rd day has started but still Mukesh Kumar is wearing the No.18 jersey ?
After Virat Kohli’s shock Test retirement in May 2025, the India A pacer switches from 49 to 18 in the unofficial Test vs England Lions! ? #MukeshKumar #ViratKohli #IndiaAvsEnglandLions… pic.twitter.com/XTTyxTDnu7
BCCI changed mukesh Kumar's jersey no. From 18 to 49 ?
This is Embarrassing ? pic.twitter.com/DEe8IwYZmC
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