Virat Kohli is a name that stands tall in world cricket. Every fan today knows him by his iconic number 18 jersey. That number has become part of his personality, his brand, and his story. But not everyone knows that the Virat Kohli first jersey number was not 18. In the early days of the Indian Premier League, his back displayed a different number. This journey from jersey 5 to jersey 18 is a tale worth knowing. It shows the start of his career, the rules of the game, and the emotions attached to his current jersey.
In this article, we will explore the Virat Kohli first jersey number in detail. We will look at why he wore 5, how 18 came into his life, and why it is so special for him today. You will also learn about the records, the fan culture, and how jersey numbers in cricket create an identity.
What Is Virat Kohli First Jersey Number?
The Virat Kohli first jersey number in the IPL was 5. This happened between 2008 and 2010, during the first three editions of the tournament. At that time, Cameron White, the Australian cricketer, was already using number 18 for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Because of that, Virat had to pick another number. His choice was 5.
But from 2011 onwards, when Cameron White left RCB, Kohli switched back to 18. This number has been on his back since then, both in IPL and international cricket. The journey from 5 to 18 shows the growth of a young player into a cricketing legend.
Why Did Kohli Wear Number 5 in IPL?
In cricket, there is an unsaid rule. Two players of the same team cannot wear the same number. This was the main reason why the Virat Kohli first jersey number was not 18 in the IPL. Cameron White owned number 18, so Kohli had to adjust. He wore number 5 from 2008 to 2010.
These early seasons showed Kohli as a young talent, learning and building his place. Even though he was forced to pick a different number, his hunger and drive were already visible. Fans soon got used to seeing him in 5, but they still remembered him as number 18 from his India debut.
How Kohli Reclaimed Number 18?
Everything changed in 2011. Cameron White left RCB to join Deccan Chargers. That gave Kohli a chance to get back his favourite number. From then on, number 18 has never left him. Whether in ODIs, T20Is, Tests, or IPL, Virat Kohli proudly wore 18.
This was not just about a jersey. It was about identity. The Virat Kohli first jersey number was only a temporary step. His real connection was with 18, and from 2011 onwards, that bond became permanent. Fans, teammates, and the cricket world all started connecting him with that number.
The Emotional Bond With Number 18
Why did Kohli choose 18 in the first place? The answer lies in his personal life. His father passed away on 18th December 2006. That date left a permanent mark on him. Wearing 18 is his way of paying tribute to his father. Every time he walks to the crease, 18 on his back reminds him of that moment.
This emotional reason makes the number more powerful. The Virat Kohli first jersey number may have been 5, but his soul was always connected with 18. For fans, this story adds more meaning to the jersey they wear to support him.
Timeline of Virat Kohli’s Jersey Numbers
| Year Range | Team | Jersey Number | Reason |
| 2008–2010 | RCB | 5 | Cameron White had 18 |
| 2011–Now | RCB & India | 18 | Tribute to his father |
This timeline shows how the Virat Kohli first jersey number was a short chapter, while 18 became the main story of his career.
Kohli’s Records With Number 18
The jersey number 18 is now tied with some of the greatest records in cricket. Kohli has achieved milestones that made him one of the best in history. The Virat Kohli first jersey number was part of his starting years, but his rise as a legend happened with 18.
Some Records Wearing 18:
- Fastest player to 8,000, 9,000, and 10,000 ODI runs.
- Most runs in IPL history.
- Second most centuries in international cricket, after Sachin Tendulkar.
- Leading run scorer for RCB season after season.
These records make number 18 more than a jersey. It is a mark of dominance.
Why Jersey Numbers Matter in Cricket?
Jersey numbers are more than just digits. They are symbols of identity. The Virat Kohli first jersey number shows how even a small number can carry history. For cricketers, the number becomes a part of their journey. Kohli’s 18 is like Sachin’s 10 or Dhoni’s 7. Fans associate them with greatness. When you see 18 in a stadium, you don’t need to see the name. You already know it is Kohli.
Kohli’s Current Form in IPL 2025
Even today, Kohli continues to shine with number 18. In IPL 2025, he has scored over 500 runs in just 11 innings. His batting average stands above 63. He has already hit seven half-centuries, leading the charts for most fifties. The Virat Kohli first jersey number feels like a memory now. Number 18 is the present and the future. Fans proudly wear it in every match, making stadiums glow red and blue with his name.
Fan Connection With Number 18
Fans play a huge role in making jersey numbers iconic. Kohli’s 18 is one of the most sold cricket jerseys worldwide. Whether it’s RCB’s red or India’s blue, 18 is everywhere. The Virat Kohli first jersey number was short-lived, but the love for 18 is endless. When fans wear 18, they feel closer to Kohli. It is not just a shirt; it is a bond. Stadiums, social media, and even global markets are filled with 18 jerseys, proving the global reach of his identity.
Virat Kohli’s Best Seasons With 18
| Year | Team | Runs Scored | Average | Remark |
| 2016 | RCB | 973 | 81.08 | Record-breaking IPL season |
| 2018 | India | 1202 (ODIs) | 133.55 | Peak form in ODIs |
| 2025 | RCB | 505 (ongoing) | 63.12 | Current season performance |
This shows how the number 18 has carried him through his most successful years.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Virat Kohli First Jersey Number
The Virat Kohli first jersey number tells us about his beginnings. He started with 5, due to team rules. But number 18 was always his true identity. It became his tribute to his father, his personal brand, and his mark of greatness.
Today, 18 is one of the most iconic jersey numbers in the world. It represents determination, passion, and emotion. Fans everywhere proudly wear it. The journey from 5 to 18 is proof that numbers in cricket can carry stories beyond the field. For Kohli, 18 is not just a number. It is his life, his love, and his everlasting legacy.
Read Our More Blogs:- 77 Jersey Number in Cricket: Shubman Gill’s Story
