The number 21 jersey has been sported by notable cricketers like Dinesh Karthik of India, who chose it as a tribute to his wife’s birthdate. Chris Jordan, the English all-rounder, is another prominent player known for wearing this number. This jersey number reflects personal significance for players, adding a unique layer to their on-field identity.
1. Dinesh Karthik (India)
Dinesh Karthik, the experienced Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, has a unique reason for wearing the number 21 jersey. He chose this number as a tribute to his wife, Dipika Pallikal, a celebrated squash player who has achieved significant milestones in her career, including being a world top-10 ranked player. Karthik shared on Instagram that the number 21 corresponds to Dipika’s date of birth, making it a personal and emotional choice for him.
This gesture reflects Karthik’s admiration and love for his wife, highlighting the deep bond they share. His choice of jersey number is not only a symbolic connection to his personal life but also a reminder of the importance of family and support in his cricketing journey. Dipika herself is a sports star, bringing mutual respect and inspiration into their relationship.
About Karthik’s Career
Dinesh Karthik debuted for India in 2004 and has played in all three formats of the game. Known for his calm demeanor and finishing abilities in T20 cricket, he has been a crucial player for India and various IPL franchises. Karthik’s jersey number has become part of his identity on the field, resonating with fans who admire his dedication both to cricket and his family.
2. Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Kamindu Mendis is a talented Sri Lankan cricketer known for his ambidextrous bowling and solid batting performances. Born on September 30, 1998, in Galle, Sri Lanka, he is a left-handed batter and bowls both left-arm orthodox and right-arm off-spin. Kamindu has represented Sri Lanka at various levels, including the U19 and senior teams, and has also played in domestic leagues like the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
Kamindu’s jersey number is not consistently listed as “21” across sources; he is reported to wear different numbers depending on the team and format. For example, one source mentions him wearing jersey number 69 for Sri Lanka and his LPL team.
Kamindu has achieved notable feats, such as scoring 182 runs in a Test match against New Zealand and being recognized for his ambidextrous bowling skills. He continues to be an integral part of Sri Lanka’s cricketing setup, showing promise as a reliable middle-order batter and a versatile bowler.
3. Ajinkya Rahane (India)
Ajinkya Rahane, a skilled Indian batter known for his technical proficiency, currently wears jersey number 21. This number has been associated with him across various formats of cricket, including domestic leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL). Recently, he has been a part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the IPL, where he delivered significant performances in the 2024 season.
Ajinkya Rahane, known for his elegant batting style, wears the jersey number 21 in international cricket and domestic leagues like the IPL. Here’s more about him and the significance of his jersey number:
Career Highlights
- Test Cricket: Rahane has been a mainstay in India’s Test lineup, often delivering under challenging conditions. He played pivotal roles in key series wins, including India’s historic Test series victory in Australia during 2020-21, where he captained the team in Virat Kohli’s absence.
- Limited-Overs Cricket: In ODIs, Rahane has been recognized for his role as a steady top-order batsman, though he transitioned more to the Test format later in his career. He has played in major ICC tournaments, contributing to India’s success.
- IPL Contributions: Rahane has played for multiple IPL franchises, including Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and most recently, Chennai Super Kings. In the 2024 IPL season, he was part of CSK, showcasing his adaptability and experience.
Jersey Number Significance
While Rahane has not publicly elaborated on why he chose the number 21, jersey numbers in cricket often hold personal or symbolic significance for players. It’s possible it is linked to an important date or moment in his life or career. This number has become synonymous with his calm and composed approach to the game.
4. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the Afghan cricketer, wears jersey number 21 while representing both the Afghanistan national cricket team and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). A dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, he is known for his aggressive style as an opening batter. Gurbaz made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in 2019 and his ODI debut against Ireland in 2021, where he scored a century, becoming the first Afghan cricketer to do so on ODI debut.
Gurbaz’s career highlights include playing for several domestic and international T20 leagues, such as the Bangladesh Premier League, Pakistan Super League, and the Lanka Premier League. He has also been instrumental for Afghanistan in major tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup.
Jersey Number
Gurbaz sports jersey number 21, which has become closely associated with his dynamic playing style. While the personal significance behind the number isn’t widely known, it has become his signature in leagues like the IPL and international matches.
International Career
- T20I Debut: September 14, 2019, against Zimbabwe.
- ODI Debut: January 21, 2021, against Ireland, where he scored a brilliant century (127 runs), becoming the first Afghan to achieve this feat on ODI debut.
Franchise Cricket
Gurbaz has been a sought-after player in various T20 leagues:
- Indian Premier League (IPL): Represented Gujarat Titans and later joined Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2023 season.
- Other Leagues: Played in the Bangladesh Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, and Pakistan Super League, among others.
5. Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan)
Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Nawaz wears jersey number 21 for the national team. Known for his all-round abilities, he is a slow left-arm orthodox bowler and a left-handed batter. Nawaz began his international career in 2016, making his T20I debut against the UAE in the Asia Cup. He has played across all formats, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Nawaz is recognized for his consistent performances in domestic leagues and tournaments. He has been a key player for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League since its inception in 2016. Over the years, he has also represented Pakistan in major tournaments, such as the ICC T20 World Cup and ODI series worldwide.
Jersey Number
Playing Role
- Batting Style: Left-handed batter
- Bowling Style: Slow left-arm orthodox
- He is a versatile all-rounder, capable of contributing significantly with both bat and ball in all formats of the game.
International Career
- T20I Debut: February 29, 2016, vs UAE
- ODI Debut: August 18, 2016, vs Ireland
- Test Debut: October 13, 2016, vs West Indies
- Nawaz has been a regular in Pakistan’s T20 and ODI squads, often serving as a finisher in T20s and contributing with crucial middle-order runs
6. Shahbaz Ahmed (India)
Shahbaz Ahmed, an Indian cricketer, currently wears jersey number 21 while playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for his skills as an all-rounder, Shahbaz is a left-handed batter and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler. He represents Bengal in domestic cricket and has been a key player for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) since being signed in the 2020 IPL auction.
Born on December 12, 1994, in Mewat, Haryana, Shahbaz Ahmed overcame challenges to establish his cricketing career. He debuted for the Bengal team in 2018 and quickly gained recognition for his performances. Internationally, he made his ODI debut against South Africa on October 9, 2022, and his T20I debut against Bangladesh in 2023. Shahbaz is admired for his contributions to both domestic and franchise cricket.
Career Highlights
- ODI: October 9, 2022, against South Africa at JSCA International Stadium Complex.
- T20I: October 6, 2023, against Bangladesh in Hangzhou.
- Domestic Teams: Bengal, India A, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL.
Playing Style
- Batting: Left-handed
- Bowling: Slow left-arm orthodox.
- Jersey Number: 21, worn during his IPL stint with RCB.
Journey
Shahbaz grew up in Mewat, one of the most backward districts in India, and moved to Palwal for better cricketing opportunities. He initially struggled to break into the Haryana team but found success with the Bengal team. His breakthrough came with impressive performances in domestic cricket, which earned him a spot in RCB during the IPL 2020.