Why did Virat Kohli choose the legendary jersey number 18? Check details
Fans instantly recognize it—the bold ‘18’ emblazoned on Virat Kohli’s back as he strides purposefully to the crease, eyes focused, aura intense. But for Kohli, that number is far more than a mere jersey identifier or superstition. It’s a silent tribute, a symbol deeply etched with emotion, loss, and determination. The journey of ‘18’ began innocuously during his India Under‑19 trials when he was randomly handed the number. But soon, it took on deeper meaning. Kohli’s father, Prem Kohli, passed away on the 18th of December in 2006—a moment that transformed the teenager’s life overnight. That date became a turning point, fueling his resolve to succeed in the game his father so deeply supported.
The real reason behind Virat Kohli picking up the jersey number 18
As the years passed, Kohli noticed a pattern—many of his personal and professional milestones, breakthroughs, and comebacks were marked around the 18th. What started as coincidence became a quiet conviction, a number he would wear like a badge of purpose. For Kohli, the 18 on his back doesn’t just represent a player in blue—it’s a reminder of where he started, what he endured, and why he never gives up.
Virat Kohli was just 18 years old when tragedy struck—his father, Prem Kohli, passed away due to a heart attack on December 18, 2006. At the time, Kohli was in the midst of a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi. For most, such a loss would have meant stepping away, taking time to grieve. But not for Virat. In an act that would come to define his fierce commitment and mental strength, he returned to the field the very next morning and scored a gritty 90 runs. There were no signs of hesitation, no visible distraction—just pure focus and resolve. That innings wasn't just about runs; it was a tribute, a message of resilience. Since that defining day, the number 18 has carried a deeper meaning in Kohli’s life. It’s not just his jersey number—it’s a powerful symbol of loss, legacy, and the inner fire that has fuelled his extraordinary journey.
The number 18 continues to weave itself into Virat Kohli’s life story in the most uncanny ways. It wasn’t just his age when his father passed away, or the day—December 18—when that life-altering moment occurred. Kohli also made his international debut for India on August 18, 2008, marking the beginning of a legendary career. While it may seem like mere coincidence, cricket has a way of looping back in mysterious patterns. A striking example emerged with two matches exactly 17 years apart—April 18, 2008, and April 18, 2025. In both instances, Kohli was playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, donning the same jersey number 18. Incredibly, he was dismissed for the same score—just 1 run—in each game.
What started as a promising journey of a young prodigy has now transformed into the celebrated legacy of a modern-day legend. Yet, the number 18 continues to shadow him—not just as a jersey number, but as a recurring marker of milestones, coincidences, and moments of introspection. From heartbreak to history, Kohli’s bond with 18 isn’t just numerical—it’s deeply personal, emotional, and symbolic of a career shaped by fate, resilience, and unrelenting passion.
Virat Kohli may not have initially chosen the number 18 for sentimental reasons, but over time, life has assigned deep meaning to it. What once began as a random pick during his early cricketing days has now become an inseparable part of his identity. From the back of his Indian and RCB jerseys to the name of his popular restaurant chain, One8 Commune, and even his car license plates — the number follows him everywhere. But this is far more than just clever branding or personal preference. For Kohli, 18 is a number that embodies both heartbreak and healing. It reminds him of his father's passing on December 18 and the determination he showed playing a Ranji match the very next day. It has come to symbolize resilience, strength, and the will to push forward through pain. Today, 18 stands as a quiet but powerful tribute to where he came from and what he’s become.
