By Bipin Dani
Virat Kohli, a name synonymous with cricketing excellence, has always carried a deep connection with the number 18. This number, emblazoned on his jersey, is more than just a digit—it’s a symbol of personal loss, resilience, and destiny. However, recent events have added an eerie twist to this narrative, further intertwining his cricketing journey with the mystique of this number.
On April 18, 2025, during an IPL match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings, Kohli was dismissed for just 1 run. While this might seem like an ordinary low score, the date and circumstances make it extraordinary. Exactly 17 years earlier, on April 18, 2008, in the inaugural IPL match, Kohli—then a budding cricketer—was also dismissed for 1 run while playing for the same team, RCB. The symmetry of these events, separated by nearly two decades, is nothing short of astonishing.
The Legacy of Number 18
Kohli’s association with the number 18 began during his under-19 days, but it gained profound significance after the untimely demise of his father on December 18, 2006. At just 18 years old, Kohli shouldered the weight of personal tragedy and emerged stronger, channeling his grief into his cricketing ambitions. The number became a tribute to his father—a constant reminder of the strength he derived from his loss.
Interestingly, Kohli’s international debut also occurred on the 18th of August, 2008, further cementing the number’s cosmic role in his life. Over the years, fans and analysts have noted how pivotal moments in his career often align with this number, making it a recurring motif in his journey.
Cosmic Coincidences in Cricket
The 2025 and 2008 dismissals are not the only instances where cricket has thrown up such uncanny parallels. Here are a few other notable coincidences in the sport:
- Sachin Tendulkar and the Number 99 – Tendulkar, the “God of Cricket,” was dismissed on 99 runs a record three times in ODIs, a number that haunted him as he approached his 100th international century.
- MS Dhoni’s Final Six – Dhoni’s iconic six to win the 2011 World Cup mirrored his first-ever six in international cricket, both struck with the same helicopter shot.
A Symbol of Resilience
For Kohli, the number 18 is more than a jersey—it’s an emotional anchor, a testament to his resilience and determination. Whether it’s a coincidence or a cosmic alignment, these moments add layers to his already illustrious career, making him a figure of intrigue both on and off the field.
As cricket fans, we can only marvel at how the sport continues to weave such fascinating narratives, reminding us that beyond the runs and wickets, it’s the stories that truly captivate us.
