Virat Kohli, the modern-day batting maestro and an inspirational determine for tens of millions of cricket followers worldwide has all the time been synonymous with the jersey quantity 18.

Also known as ‘VK18’, this legendary two-digit quantity holds a fascinating story that the legendary batter lastly disclosed, shedding gentle on the sentimental significance it holds for him.

Opposite to common perception, Kohli didn’t deliberately choose jersey quantity 18 for himself. It was destiny that intervened throughout his under-19 enjoying days when he found the quantity upon opening his jersey bag.

Nevertheless, at that second, he didn’t notice the profound significance the quantity held in his life. It was on 18 August 2008 that he donned the Indian jersey for the primary time. Tragically, one other important occasion occurred on 18 December 2006 when he mourned the lack of his father, perpetually linking this quantity to pivotal moments in his life.

Right here’s what Kohli stated throughout a dialog with Star Sports activities:

“It simply began being a quantity that was given to me after I first opened that Indian beneath 19 bag and I bought 18. I by no means requested for it. It was simply given to me, however then it ended up being a really, essential quantity in my life.”

“My debut recreation for India was on 18 August 2008, and my father handed away on 18 December 2006. Two of essentially the most important dates in my life occurred to be 18, however I bought that quantity manner earlier than, so there must be a reference to that quantity.”

Watch Video: Kohli reveals the story behind his Jersey quantity