Virat Kohli’s jersey number 18 allotted to this Indian player
Following Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi caught fans' attention during the first Youth Test between India U19 and England U19. The young batter was seen wearing jersey number 18, famously worn by Kohli throughout his international career and in the IPL.
Suryavanshi is currently in England for a multi-format series against England U19. The left-handed batter registered scores of 48 (19), 45 (34), 86 (31), 143 (78), and 33 (42) in the five Youth ODIs, where the Men in Blue secured a 3-2 win. He continued his form in red-ball cricket during the ongoing tour.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Wears No. 18 Jersey After Virat Kohli's Test Retirement
Vaibhav Suryavanshi grabbed headlines during the first Youth Test between India U19 and England U19 after stepping onto the field in Virat Kohli's jersey number 18. It came just months after Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket. Notably, Suryavanshi had worn jersey number 12 during the IPL 2025 season.
Virat Kohli has been wearing jersey number 18 since his early days in U-19 cricket. He continued to wear the same number throughout his red-ball career. Kohli described his decision to retire from Test cricket as tough. However, Virat Kohli will continue to represent India in ODI cricket.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes Youngest Ever to Take a Wicket in Youth Test History
Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored a half-century in the first Youth Test. After scoring just 14 in the first innings, the 14-year-old bounced back with 56 off 44 balls in the second innings, which included nine fours and a six. He reached his half-century in just 39 balls before being dismissed by Archie Vaughan.
Earlier in the match, Suryavanshi made history by becoming the youngest player ever to take a wicket in a Youth Test, at just 14 years and 107 days. He also claimed the wicket of England U19 captain Hamza Shaikh and finished with bowling figures of 2 for 35 from 12 overs.
The match between India U19 and England U19 ended in a draw. India posted 540 runs in their first innings before bowling the English side out for 439. The visitors managed 248 runs in their second innings, while England reached 270/7 by the end of play.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Set to Feature in Second Youth Test Against England
Vaibhav Suryavanshi has become one of India's most exciting young talents. He scored the fastest century by an Indian in IPL history, smashing 101 runs off just 38 balls for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans (GT).
The left-hander tallied 252 runs in seven matches at a blistering strike rate of 206.55. His explosive batting earned him the "Super Striker of the Season" award.
Suryavanshi amassed 355 runs in the five-match Youth ODI series against England U19, playing a key role in India's 3-2 victory. He hammered a century in the fourth ODI at Worcester. He will next be seen in action during the second Youth Test against England, starting on July 20.
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