The world of cricket is buzzing after recent events in the unofficial Test match between India A and England Lions in Canterbury. The spotlight is on Indian pacer Mukesh Kumar, not only for his performance on the field but also for his choice of jersey number. Kumar was seen sporting the number 18, famously associated with Virat Kohli, who recently retired from Test cricket. This move has triggered a wave of reactions from fans, with many expressing their displeasure and calling for the BCCI to retire the number as a tribute to Kohli, similar to Sachin Tendulkar's No. 10.

Virat Kohli, a modern-day great, has worn the number 18 since his U-19 days, making it synonymous with his illustrious career. His sudden retirement from Test cricket last month, just before India's 5-Test tour of England, left fans shocked. Kohli's fans feel that his contribution to Indian cricket, especially in the Test format, warrants the same respect as Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, whose jersey numbers have been retired. Social media platforms are flooded with posts criticizing Mukesh Kumar's decision to wear the number 18, with some fans even questioning his audacity. Some posts also targeted the BCCI, accusing them of disrespecting Kohli's legacy.

Mukesh Kumar, who usually wears jersey number 49 in international cricket and IPL, hasn't officially commented on the reason for the switch. Whether it was an intentional decision or an administrative oversight remains unclear. The BCCI is yet to release a statement. It is important to note that Mukesh Kumar is striving to make a comeback to the Indian Test team, and a strong performance in the ongoing match could increase his chances, especially if a replacement player is needed during the upcoming Test series against England.

Despite the controversy surrounding his jersey number, Mukesh Kumar delivered a noteworthy performance on the field. On Day 3 of the unofficial Test, he played a crucial role in bringing India A back into the game. England Lions started strong, but Mukesh Kumar's fiery spell saw him pick up three crucial wickets, derailing their momentum. He dismissed Max Holden, who had just completed his century, and then followed it up by taking the wickets of Lions' captain James Rew and Rehan Ahmed. His efforts helped India A claw back into the match.

While some fans remain critical, others have come out in support of Mukesh Kumar, acknowledging his performance and emphasizing that wearing the jersey is an honor. Regardless of opinions, the incident has sparked a larger debate about respecting cricketing legends and preserving their legacies. Whether the BCCI will consider retiring Virat Kohli's number 18 remains to be seen, but the fans have certainly made their voices heard.