10: In the world of cricket, jersey numbers play a significant role in identifying players, especially those who have left a lasting impact on the game. The number 10, though not as iconic as numbers like 7 or 18, has been worn by some of cricket’s most legendary figures. Whether through stellar batting performances, exceptional bowling, or unmatched leadership, cricketers wearing the number 10 jersey have often been central to their team’s success.
This article takes a look at some of the most iconic cricketers who wore the number 10 jersey and made a name for themselves with their extraordinary performances. From the all-time greats to contemporary stars, the number 10 has seen some of the most dominant cricketing minds and skills.
Cricket Icons Who Wore the Number 10 Jersey
1. Rahul Dravid (India)
Career Span: 1996 – 2012
Role: Top-order Batsman
Tests: 164 matches, 13,288 runs, Average: 52.31
ODIs: 344 matches, 10,889 runs, Average: 39.16
T20Is: 1 match, 31 runs
One of India’s most technically sound and respected cricketers, Rahul Dravid, wore the number 10 jersey throughout most of his international career. Known as “The Wall,” Dravid was a rock-solid presence in the middle order, offering consistency and composure in all formats of the game. His ability to bat for long hours in Tests, his versatility in limited-overs cricket, and his leadership qualities made him a standout figure for India.
Achievements:
- Scored more than 10,000 runs in both Test and ODI cricket.
- Instrumental in India’s historic series win in the West Indies in 2001.
- Dravid was also one of the few players to have faced over 30,000 balls in international cricket, emphasizing his grit and determination.
2. Shane Watson (Australia)
Career Span: 2002 – 2016
Role: All-rounder
Tests: 59 matches, 3,731 runs, 75 wickets
ODIs: 190 matches, 5,757 runs, 168 wickets
T20Is: 58 matches, 1,319 runs, 48 wickets
Shane Watson was one of the most dynamic all-rounders in cricket during his playing days. Wearing the number 10 jersey, Watson’s contributions with both bat and ball were integral to Australia’s success during his tenure. His aggressive batting and ability to pick up crucial wickets in both formats made him one of the most valuable players in the Australian lineup.
Achievements:
- Played a pivotal role in Australia’s success during the 2007 and 2009 ICC T20 World Cups.
- Has a career ODI batting average of 40.54 and a bowling average of 34.33, which reflects his well-rounded skill set.
- Known for his match-winning performances in multiple formats, including a famous 185* against Bangladesh in a 2011 ODI.
3. Jonty Rhodes (South Africa)
Career Span: 1992 – 2003
Role: Fielder, Middle-order batsman
Tests: 52 matches, 2,532 runs
ODIs: 245 matches, 5,935 runs
T20Is: 5 matches, 98 runs
Jonty Rhodes is widely regarded as one of the best fielders to ever play the game of cricket. Though he was primarily a fielder, his influence on the game went beyond his role as a batter. Wearing the number 10 jersey, Rhodes revolutionized fielding, especially in limited-overs cricket, with his lightning-quick reflexes and unmatched agility in the outfield. His famous run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 Cricket World Cup is still one of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history.
Achievements:
- Named in the ICC’s “All-time ODI XI.”
- Rhodes was known for his ability to change the course of a match with his fielding and aggressive running between the wickets.
- He played a pivotal role in South Africa’s campaign in the 1999 World Cup.
4. Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka)
Career Span: 1989 – 2011
Role: Left-handed Opening Batsman, Left-arm Spinner
Tests: 110 matches, 6,973 runs, 98 wickets
ODIs: 445 matches, 13,430 runs, 323 wickets
T20Is: 31 matches, 629 runs, 19 wickets
Sanath Jayasuriya was a game-changer for Sri Lanka, particularly in one-day cricket. Wearing the number 10 jersey, Jayasuriya was a destructive opening batsman who could take the game away from the opposition in a matter of overs. His aggressive style, combined with his ability to bowl useful left-arm spin, made him a dual-threat for the Sri Lankan team. He was one of the first cricketers to dominate world cricket with the advent of aggressive batting, laying the foundation for the T20 game.
Achievements:
- Scored 13,430 runs in ODIs, and remains one of the leading run-scorers in the format.
- Played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup victory, scoring crucial knocks in the knockout stages.
- He was known for his aggressive batting style, which helped revolutionize the opening role in limited-overs cricket.
5. Michael Bevan (Australia)
Career Span: 1994 – 2004
Role: Left-handed Batsman
ODIs: 232 matches, 6,538 runs, Average: 53.58
T20Is: 3 matches, 42 runs
Michael Bevan is considered one of the greatest finishers in the history of limited-overs cricket. Wearing the number 10 jersey, Bevan earned a reputation for his ability to anchor innings and finish matches under pressure. His calm demeanor and exceptional batting skills in the middle overs helped Australia secure several victories during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Achievements:
- A career average of 53.58 in ODIs, making him one of the highest batting averages for an Australian in the format.
- He was an instrumental part of Australia’s success in the 1999 ICC World Cup.
- Famous for his ability to perform in clutch situations, Bevan played many match-winning knocks in tight finishes.
Iconic Number 10 Cricketers and Their Stats
| Player | Role | Matches (Tests/ODIs/T20Is) | Runs (Tests/ODIs/T20Is) | Wickets (Tests/ODIs/T20Is) | Batting Average (Tests/ODIs) | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahul Dravid | Top-order Batsman | 164/344/1 | 13,288/10,889/31 | N/A | 52.31/39.16 | 10,000+ runs in both Tests & ODIs |
| Shane Watson | All-rounder | 59/190/58 | 3,731/5,757/1,319 | 75/168/48 | 34.33/40.54 | ICC T20 WC wins, All-round prowess |
| Jonty Rhodes | Fielder, Batsman | 52/245/5 | 2,532/5,935/98 | N/A | N/A | Revolutionized fielding, 1992 WC hero |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Opening Batsman, Spinner | 110/445/31 | 6,973/13,430/629 | 98/323/19 | 40.00/33.79 | 1996 WC victory, Aggressive batting |
| Michael Bevan | Left-handed Batsman | N/A/232/3 | N/A/6,538/42 | N/A | 53.58 | Famous finisher in ODIs |
The number 10 jersey has been worn by some of cricket’s most influential players. From the technical brilliance of Rahul Dravid to the aggressive flair of Sanath Jayasuriya and Shane Watson, each of these cricketers made significant contributions to their teams, often serving as the backbone of their respective batting or all-rounding departments.
Jonty Rhodes brought a revolution in fielding standards, while Michael Bevan became synonymous with finishing matches. The legacy of these cricketers demonstrates that the number 10 is not just a number; it’s a symbol of determination, skill, and resilience on the field.
As cricket continues to evolve, players wearing the number 10 jersey will always be remembered for their contributions to the sport.