Ishan Kishan Jersey Number: The Story Behind 32 and 23

Cricket fans across India and around the world know Ishan Kishan as one of the most exciting young talents in the game today. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand has made a name for himself with his fearless batting and aggressive style of play. But beyond his six-hitting ability and quick reflexes behind the stumps, there is one question that many fans often ask – what is Ishan Kishan jersey number?

The answer is not as simple as you might think. Unlike many cricketers who wear the same number throughout their career, Ishan Kishan jersey number changes depending on the format and the team he is playing for. This article will tell you everything you need to know about Ishan Kishan jersey number, the stories behind each number, and why these numbers matter to him.

Who is Ishan Kishan?

Before we dive into the details of Ishan Kishan jersey number, let us take a quick look at who this talented cricketer is. Ishan Kishan was born on 18 July 1998 in Patna, Bihar. He is an Indian international cricketer who plays for the Indian national cricket team. He made his international debut in March 2021 against England.

Kishan is a left-handed batsman and a wicketkeeper. He is known for his aggressive batting at the top of the order. He has represented India in all three formats – Test, ODI, and T20I. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has played for Gujarat Lions, Mumbai Indians, and currently plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He also captains Jharkhand in domestic cricket.

Now that you know who he is, let us talk about the main topic – Ishan Kishan jersey number.

Ishan Kishan Jersey Number for India

When Ishan Kishan plays for the Indian cricket team, he wears jersey number 32. This is the Ishan Kishan jersey number that fans see when he represents India in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

The Ishan Kishan jersey number 32 has become quite popular among Indian cricket fans. Whenever Kishan walks out to bat for India, you can see the number 32 on his back. Whether he is opening the batting in a T20I or playing in the middle order in an ODI, the Ishan Kishan jersey number remains the same – 32.

But did you know that number 32 was not his first choice? The story behind Ishan Kishan jersey number is actually quite interesting and emotional.

The Story Behind Ishan Kishan Jersey Number 32

Many fans wonder why Ishan Kishan jersey number is 32. The answer lies in a story that Kishan himself shared in a video posted by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India).

According to Kishan, he actually wanted to wear jersey number 23 for India. He had his heart set on the number 23. However, there was a problem. The number 23 was already taken by senior Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

When Kishan found out that he could not get number 23, he was not sure what to do. So he did something that many of us would do in a difficult situation – he called his mother. Kishan asked his mother for advice on which number he should choose. His mother told him to check if number 32 was available. Kishan did not ask any questions and simply took number 32.

This is why the Ishan Kishan jersey number for India is 32. It was a decision made with his mother’s guidance, and it has now become an important part of his identity as an Indian cricketer.

Why Did Ishan Kishan Want Number 23?

You might be wondering why Ishan Kishan jersey number preference was 23 in the first place. While Kishan has not explicitly revealed the exact reason, there are a few possible explanations.

Number 23 is a famous number in world cricket. Legendary Australian cricketers Shane Warne and Michael Clarke both wore jersey number 23 during their playing days. Many young cricketers look up to these legends and want to follow in their footsteps.

Another possibility is that number 23 might have some personal significance for Kishan. Whatever the reason, it is clear that Ishan Kishan jersey number 23 was his first preference, but fate had other plans.

Ishan Kishan Jersey Number in IPL

Now let us talk about Ishan Kishan jersey number in the Indian Premier League. This is where things get interesting because the Ishan Kishan jersey number in IPL is different from his international jersey number.

When Ishan Kishan plays in the IPL, he wears jersey number 23. Yes, you read that correctly. The same number that he could not get for the Indian team, he wears in the IPL. This is the Ishan Kishan jersey number that fans see when he plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad or previously for Mumbai Indians.

Ishan Kishan Jersey Number for Mumbai Indians

Ishan Kishan played for Mumbai Indians from 2018 to 2024. During his time with the five-time IPL champions, the Ishan Kishan jersey number was 23. He became one of the most important players for Mumbai Indians during this period.

In the 2020 IPL season, Kishan was Mumbai’s highest run-scorer. He scored 516 runs at an average of 57.33 with a strike rate above 140. Throughout this successful campaign, the Ishan Kishan jersey number 23 was seen scoring runs and taking brilliant catches behind the stumps.

In the 2022 mega auction, Mumbai Indians retained Kishan for a whopping INR 15.75 crore, which was the highest bid of that edition. This showed how much the franchise valued him, and the Ishan Kishan jersey number 23 continued to be a familiar sight for Mumbai Indians fans.

Read Also: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline:/ Highest International Runs 2026

Ishan Kishan Jersey Number for Sunrisers Hyderabad

In 2025, Ishan Kishan moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was bought by SRH for INR 11.25 crore. The Ishan Kishan jersey number for Sunrisers Hyderabad remains 23.

At Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kishan plays as an explosive number three batsman. In the 2026 season, he even began the season as the stand-in captain for SRH. The Ishan Kishan jersey number 23 has now become a symbol of his aggressive batting style for the orange army.

Ishan Kishan Jersey Number for Gujarat Lions

Before joining Mumbai Indians, Ishan Kishan played for Gujarat Lions in the IPL. He was picked up by the new franchise in IPL 2017. During his time with Gujarat Lions, the Ishan Kishan jersey number was also 23. This shows that number 23 has been his preferred IPL number throughout his career.

Other Ishan Kishan Jersey Numbers

Apart from the Ishan Kishan jersey number 32 for India and 23 for IPL teams, Kishan has worn other numbers at different stages of his career.

Ishan Kishan Jersey Number for India U-19

When Ishan Kishan played for the India Under-19 team, he wore jersey number 18. This was the Ishan Kishan jersey number when he led the Indian team in the 2016 U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh.

Under his captaincy, India reached the final of the tournament. The Ishan Kishan jersey number 18 became well-known among young cricket fans who followed the U-19 World Cup. Interestingly, there was a joke going around at that time that the left-handed batsman wearing jersey number 18 would become the next Virat Kohli, as Kohli had also worn number 18 earlier in his career.

Ishan Kishan Jersey Number for Domestic Cricket

In domestic cricket, Ishan Kishan has worn different numbers. Some sources mention that he has worn number 51 in domestic matches. However, when he plays for Jharkhand in first-class and List A cricket, the Ishan Kishan jersey number can vary depending on the tournament and the rules.

What remains constant is that whenever Kishan represents India in international cricket, the Ishan Kishan jersey number is 32, and whenever he plays in the IPL, the Ishan Kishan jersey number is 23.

Summary Table: Ishan Kishan Jersey Number by Team

Here is a quick summary of Ishan Kishan jersey number for different teams:

This table clearly shows that the Ishan Kishan jersey number changes based on the team he is representing. The number 32 is reserved for his international appearances, while number 23 is his preferred IPL number.

What Does Ishan Kishan Jersey Number Mean to Him?

The Ishan Kishan jersey number is more than just a number on his back. It carries emotional significance for the young cricketer.

For Kishan, the Ishan Kishan jersey number 32 represents his mother’s love and guidance. When he could not get his preferred number 23 for the Indian team, his mother helped him choose 32. Every time he wears jersey number 32 for India, it is a reminder of his mother’s support and the role she has played in his journey.

The Ishan Kishan jersey number 23, on the other hand, represents his first choice and preference. Even though he could not wear it for India, he has made it his own in the IPL. The Ishan Kishan jersey number 23 has become synonymous with his aggressive batting and match-winning performances in the IPL.

Read Also: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline/ Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings Timeline

Ishan Kishan Career Highlights

To understand why the Ishan Kishan jersey number has become so popular, it helps to know about his achievements on the cricket field. Here are some of his major career highlights:

International Career

Ishan Kishan made his T20I debut for India on 14 March 2021 against England. He made his ODI debut on 18 July 2021 against Sri Lanka. His Test debut came on 12 July 2023 against West Indies.

One of the biggest achievements of his career came in December 2022 when he scored 210 runs off just 131 balls against Bangladesh in an ODI. This was the fastest double century in ODI cricket history. He also became the youngest player to score a double century in ODIs.

In January 2026, Kishan scored his first T20I century – 103 runs against New Zealand. Later that year, he was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in 2026.

IPL Career

In the IPL, Kishan has been a consistent performer. His best season came in 2020 when he scored 516 runs for Mumbai Indians. He has scored over 3000 runs in the IPL across 120 matches.

In the 2026 IPL season, Kishan is having his best-ever season with Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has become a vital part of their aggressive batting lineup.

FAQs About Ishan Kishan Jersey Number

Here are some common questions that fans ask about Ishan Kishan jersey number:

The Significance of Jersey Numbers in Cricket

Jersey numbers have become an important part of cricket in recent years. Unlike in the past when players did not have fixed numbers, modern cricketers are identified by the numbers on their backs.

The Ishan Kishan jersey number 32 and 23 are now part of his brand as a cricketer. Fans buy jerseys with these numbers, and they become symbols of the player’s identity. For young fans who look up to Kishan, the Ishan Kishan jersey number is a way to connect with their hero.

Many cricketers have stories behind their jersey numbers. Some choose numbers based on their idols, others based on lucky numbers, and some, like Kishan, have emotional stories involving family members.

Conclusion

The Ishan Kishan jersey number is a fascinating topic that reveals a lot about the man behind the cricket bat. For India, he wears number 32, a number chosen with his mother’s guidance when his first choice was not available. For IPL teams, he wears number 23, his preferred number that he has made his own in the world’s biggest T20 league.

Whether it is the Ishan Kishan jersey number 32 or 23, what matters most is the performances he delivers while wearing them. From his record-breaking ODI double century to his match-winning T20I knocks, Kishan has proven that the number on his back does not define him – his talent and hard work do.

The next time you watch Ishan Kishan play, take a moment to notice the number on his jersey. If he is playing for India, you will see the Ishan Kishan jersey number 32. If he is playing in the IPL, you will see the Ishan Kishan jersey number 23. Both numbers tell a story – one of family, one of preference, and both are now an inseparable part of this exciting young cricketer’s journey.

As Kishan continues to grow as a cricketer and achieve more milestones, the Ishan Kishan jersey number will continue to be a topic of interest for cricket fans around the world. Whether you are a fan of number 32 or number 23, there is no denying that Ishan Kishan has made both numbers his own in his own unique way.