Bengaluru: After nearly three months on the sidelines, swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant stormed back onto the cricket field, leading India A against South Africa A in an unofficial Test here. But it wasn’t just his captaincy or the hosts’ gritty performance that stole the spotlight — Pant turned heads by donning the iconic No. 18 jersey, long synonymous with cricket royalty Virat Kohli.
The match kicked off on Thursday at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, with South Africa A reaching a commanding 299/1 by stumps on Day 1. Pant, skippering the side, exuded confidence from the outset, but eagle-eyed fans zeroed in on his kit. The No. 18 on his back — Kohli’s trademark in Tests before his retirement — sparked a frenzy on social media. “Is Pant channelling King Kohli?” one viral post quipped, as images of the southpaw in the familiar digits flooded timelines.
Pant, whose usual number is 17, has ignited speculation: has he switched allegiances in jersey lore? A BCCI official clarified that in domestic or ‘A’ tours, players have the flexibility to pick any number — unlike international fixtures, where official assignments rule. The switch isn’t the first time No. 18 has stirred debate; earlier this year, pacer Mukesh Kumar (normally No. 49) wore it during an India A clash against England Lions, drawing accusations of “disrespecting” Kohli from irate supporters.
For Pant, sidelined by a minor niggle, this comeback is more than symbolic — it’s a statement of resilience. As India A eyes a strong reply on Friday, the jersey swap adds a dash of intrigue to his redemption arc. Will No. 18 bring Kohli-esque fire to Pant’s blade? Fans are hooked.
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