Rishabh Pant dons Virat Kohli’s No. 18 jersey on return to cricket — a clear, sourced take

Rishabh Pant’s comeback to competitive cricket this week did more than mark the return of one of India’s most explosive wicketkeeper-batters. It produced an image that quickly went viral: Pant walking out wearing the No. 18 on his back — the number long associated with Virat Kohli. That single visual stirred conversation about symbolism, team culture and what the future looks like for India’s batting core.

Why the jersey moment matters: context and immediate reaction

Rishabh Pant led India A in the unofficial Test against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru — his first competitive appearance after an injury layoff. As he took the field, fans and pundits noticed he was wearing No. 18 instead of his customary No. 17, and social media lit up with questions, tributes, jokes and speculation. For many, the moment read as a respectful nod to Virat Kohli; for others it raised eyebrows about jersey traditions and team numbers.

This wasn’t just background noise. In Indian cricket, certain numbers carry emotional weight, and No. 18 is strongly identified with Kohli after a storied Test career. The image therefore moved quickly from being a lighthearted anecdote to a talking point about succession, symbols and the evolving identity of the team.

Quick fact-check: where and when this happened

• Match: India A vs South Africa A (first unofficial Test).
• Venue: BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru.
• Timing: Pant’s return occurred after a three-month injury layoff following his foot fracture sustained during the England Test series earlier in the year.

Rishabh Pant’s recent injury and the road back

The decision to wear No. 18 comes against the backdrop of a tough few months for Rishabh Pant. He suffered a fractured metatarsal while batting in the England Test series and missed the remainder of that tour. Rehabilitation and careful management were required before he could return to match fitness. That makes his comeback — and the choice of shirt — part sporting update and part narrative about resilience.

From a performance perspective, Pant’s return is important for India’s middle order. He remains a player who offers aggressive scoring, quick hands behind the stumps and the ability to change the tempo of a game — all qualities selectors and fans want back in the mix. His innings and match fitness over the next few fixtures will be closely watched.

What wearing No. 18 could signify — three realistic readings

1. A salute to Virat Kohli

The simplest interpretation is tribute. Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025, and his No. 18 has become iconic. Players sometimes wear a teammate’s number as a sign of respect or camaraderie, and many fans interpreted Pant’s gesture that way.

2. A symbolic passing of the baton

Numbers can feel symbolic during periods of transition. With senior players stepping away from formats, younger leaders are being asked to step up. Pant wearing 18 might be read as a statement — subtle or accidental — about a new generation taking on big responsibilities. That interpretation depends on intent, and the BCCI/player camp has not framed it as an official handover.

3. A moment blown up by social media

Finally, it could be as simple as that: a visually striking choice that Twitter and Instagram amplified. In modern sport, small images gain outsized significance — not all of it intentional. Several outlets and fans urged caution before reading too much into a shirt number.

What this means for team dynamics and selection

Rishabh Pant remains a key candidate for India’s limited-overs and red-ball plans, provided he shows form and fitness. Wearing No. 18 does not change selection mechanics — performances do — but symbolism matters in team sport. If Pant continues to perform and lead by example, the jersey moment will be remembered as an anecdote in a larger comeback story. If form wobbles, critics may look back at the same moment and spin different narratives.

From a selector’s point of view, numbers don’t count on scorecards — runs and dismissals do. But the off-field picture, including how senior and emerging players manage legacy and leadership, plays into wider team cohesion. A healthy dressing room handles such moments without controversy; an unstable one lets small sparks become distractions. So far, reporting suggests the mood around Pant’s return is positive.

How fans and commentators have reacted

Fan reactions have been mixed: affectionate tributes, meme-making and a few critics questioning appropriateness. Sports columnists framed the visual as a conversation starter about Kohli’s legacy and the natural reshaping of the Indian side after recent retirements. Social media amplified the image faster than official statements could clarify intent, which is typical in high-profile cricket moments today.

Final take: focus on performance, not just symbolism

For now, the sensible approach for fans and media is to let Rishabh Pant’s cricket do the talking. The jersey moment is both meaningful and ephemeral — meaningful because of what No. 18 represents to many, ephemeral because the real measure will be Pant’s runs, keeping and match fitness in the weeks and months ahead.

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