Sachin Tendulkar Jersey Number: How 10 Became a Cricket Legend

In the world of cricket, few names echo as powerfully as Sachin Tendulkar. Nicknamed the Master Blaster and The God of Cricket, Sachin's legacy is deeply intertwined with the number 10—the jersey he proudly wore for over two decades. But what made this number so special? How did a simple digit become a sacred symbol for cricket lovers across the globe?

This article dives into the legendary story of Sachin Tendulkar’s jersey number 10, its significance, memorable moments, and why it was eventually retired by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Birth of a Legend: Why Number 10?

Sachin Tendulkar started his international career in 1989, long before jersey numbers became a standard in cricket. When player jerseys with numbers were introduced in the late 1990s for One Day Internationals, Sachin chose number 10—not randomly, but intentionally.

Reasons Behind the Choice:

• Personal Significance: The number 10 reflects his birthday (April 24 = 2+4 = 6) and some say it was simply a number he connected with instinctively.
• Symbolism: In numerology, the number 10 is associated with leadership, completeness, and perfection—traits that truly reflect Tendulkar’s cricketing personality.
• Brand Identity: Over time, "Tendulkar 10" became a visual identity, seen on merchandise, fan posters, and even tattoos.

Moments That Made Jersey Number 10 Iconic

Here are some unforgettable performances where the number 10 shone brightly on the field:

Fan Craze: Why Number 10 Became a Movement

For millions, number 10 wasn't just a number—it was an emotion.

• Jerseys with "10" sold in millions across India.
• Stadiums erupted every time the number 10 walked in to bat.
• School kids, gully cricket players, and even young international cricketers idolized the number.

In India, Sachin's 10 became as symbolic as Messi’s 10 in football or Jordan’s 23 in basketball.

BCCI Retires Jersey Number 10

After Sachin Tendulkar retired in 2013, the number 10 jersey continued briefly in circulation. In 2017, Shardul Thakur wore number 10 during an ODI match, which led to widespread backlash from fans who believed the number should be reserved solely for Sachin.

Following this, the BCCI made a historic move:

In November 2017, BCCI unofficially retired the number 10 jersey in honor of Sachin Tendulkar.

This was a rare gesture in cricket, where jersey retirements are almost unheard of.

What Number 10 Means Today

Even today, nobody wears number 10 in Indian cricket. It's a silent tribute—a blank jersey number that echoes the greatness of a man who inspired generations.

Tendulkar’s number 10:

• Symbolizes excellence and humility.
• Represents a golden era of Indian cricket.
• Remains an aspirational figure for young athletes across all sports.

Sachin Tendulkar: Career Highlights in Numbers

FAQs

Q1: Why did Sachin Tendulkar choose jersey number 10?

He chose number 10 as it held personal significance and eventually became his iconic identity on the field.

Q2: Who wore number 10 after Sachin?

Shardul Thakur briefly wore it in 2017, but fan backlash led to its retirement.

Q3: Is Sachin Tendulkar's jersey number officially retired?

While not formally announced as retired, BCCI has unofficially retired jersey number 10 as a tribute to Tendulkar.

Q4: Can any future player wear jersey number 10?

As of now, the BCCI refrains from assigning the number 10 to any new player out of respect.

Conclusion

Sachin Tendulkar’s jersey number 10 is more than fabric—it’s a piece of history. It carries stories of unmatched skill, records that might never be broken, and the heartbeats of a billion fans. From the dusty lanes of Mumbai to the biggest stadiums in the world, number 10 stood for greatness, grace, and greatness.