Top 5 Women and Men cricketers who don same jersey numbers in international cricket

Jersey numbers are something that plays an important role in a player’s career as many top players are identified by the number they wear in their jerseys. While some players keep their jersey numbers according to their birthdays, others keep them as a memory of their loved ones or any incident that has significance in their lives.

Sportsmen and their superstitions have a long association and some players also tend to choose a superstitious number as their lucky number for their jersey. Fans also tend to have a strong association with the number of their favourite player’s jerseys. For example, when Sachin Tendulkar retired, fans demanded the Indian Cricket Board to retire his jersey number which was 10 to pay tribute for his services to Indian cricket.  

Today let’s find out which players across women's and men’s cricket have the same jersey number on their backs:

1. Jersey No- 7: Harmanpreet Kaur & MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni and Harmanpreet Kaur have the same jersey number which is 7. Apart from similar jersey numbers both these players have been the captain of the India cricket team. While MS Dhoni retired from international cricket, Kaur is still captaining the Indian cricket team. MS Dhoni’s jersey number 7, which is significant to his birthday.

2. Jersey No-18: Smriti Mandhana & Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli and Smriti Mandhana are both prominent names in Indian cricket. Both these players share the same jersey number which is 18. For Kohli, the number holds a deeper significance. In a heartfelt interview, he revealed that he chose 18 as a tribute to his father, who passed away on December 18, 2006. Wearing the number feels like having his father close, a constant source of inspiration on the field.

Mandhana's journey to number 18 was not her first choice as her initial choice was 7, a nod to her school roll number. However, fate intervened, and the number was already taken. As her birthday falls on July 18th, she was suggested number 18 which she readily accepted. 

3. Jersey No-17: Meg Lanning & AB de Villiers

Former captains of South Africa and Australia, AB de Villiers and Meg Lanning, respectively, have both sported the identical number 17 on their international jerseys. De Villiers aligned the jersey number with his birth date of February 17, considering it to be a fortunate and significant number.

4. Jersey No-77: Alyssa Healy & Shubhman Gill

Indian opener Shubhman Gill and Australia's explosive wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy also share the same jersey number

Intriguingly, both players have a special connection to the number 7. Gill considered a rising sensation in Indian cricket, revealed that he requested his lucky number 7 for his jersey. However, fate had other plans, and the number was unavailable. Undeterred, Gill doubled his lucky number, resulting in the unique 77.

Healy, on the other hand, harboured a long-held desire for the number 7. This wasn't just any random choice; it held a special meaning for her. However, just like Gill, she encountered the same obstacle – the number was already taken. Unwilling to give up on her preference entirely, Healy opted for the close alternative, embracing the double 7 and making it her own.

5. Jersey No-48: Amelia Kerr and Mike Hussey

Australia's Mike Hussey and New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr also have their jersey numbers in common. Although both are different styles of players they share their personalities on the field are the same and both played a crucial role in the team. Mike Hussey has retired from international cricket, while Amelia Kerr is still an active player.