Rishabh Pant Wears Kohli's No. 18 on Comeback; Sidhu Calls Him 'Phoenix From Ashes'

Rishabh Pant is back, and he’s already making headlines. After a grueling three-month injury layoff, the explosive cricketer returned to competitive action on October 30, 2025, captaining India A against South Africa A. But it wasn’t just his presence that got everyone talking, it was the jersey on his back: Virat Kohli’s iconic No. 18.

Key Takeaways

Rishabh Pant returned to competitive cricket on October 30, 2025, after a three-month injury.
He captained India A against South Africa A in Bengaluru.
Pant wore Virat Kohli’s retired Test jersey number 18, sparking a fan debate.
Navjot Singh Sidhu emotionally praised Pant, calling him a ‘phoenix that has risen from the ashes.’
A BCCI official clarified that jersey numbers for India A matches are not fixed.

The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming

Look, let’s not forget what he’s been through. Pant fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot back in late July 2025 during a Test against England. An injury like that can be tricky. But he put in the work, first appearing for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy match on October 25 before taking the field as the India A skipper. This series is absolutely crucial for him to find his rhythm before the big Test series in South Africa.

A Phoenix Rises – Sidhu’s Emotional Tribute

You know it’s a big deal when Navjot Singh Sidhu gets emotional. The former India cricketer didn’t hold back his praise for Pant’s incredible resilience. It’s one thing to recover, it’s another to inspire.

Expert Analysis

Sidhu’s words really hit home. He called Pant “a phoenix that has risen from the ashes,” a powerful metaphor for his recovery. “No one imagined he could be up walking again,” Sidhu remarked, reminding everyone of the severity of Pant’s situation just a few months ago. It’s a testament to Pant’s fighting spirit.

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The No. 18 Jersey Sparks a Storm

But honestly, the biggest talking point was the jersey. Seeing Pant in Kohli’s No. 18, especially after Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025, sent social media into a frenzy. Was it a tribute? A mistake? Something else entirely?

Social Media Storm

Fans were completely divided. Some were fuming, questioning the move. The discussion blew up online. So, a BCCI official had to step in and clear the air. Here’s the thing: players in India A matches aren’t bound by fixed jersey numbers. The jerseys don’t even have names on the back, unlike the ones for the senior international team. So, it was likely just a coincidence, but it definitely got people talking.

What This Means for Team India

Beyond the drama, Pant looked sharp. He was actively involved as captain, guiding young bowlers like Tanush Kotian and Manav Suthar. His return is a massive boost for Indian cricket. A confident and match-fit Rishabh Pant is exactly what the team needs for the tough challenges ahead. So, what do you think? Was the jersey a big deal or just a number?

Rishabh Pant Wears Kohli’s No. 18 on Comeback; Sidhu Calls Him ‘Phoenix From Ashes’

The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming