- Dec 2, 2024
- Jan 21, 2023
Something special about the No. 10 shirt in sports. It’s also extremely important in cricket, particularly since Sachin Tendulkar wore it. He is one of the legends, alongside Pele, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi, to claim and elevate the No. 10 in all of sports. The Indian Cricket Board even retired the 10 in honour of Sachin Tendulkar.
Tendulkar, however, is not the only cricketing great to have worn jersey no 10 and here we look at some other influential players from past and present to wear the jersey.
7. Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Shahid Afridi, renowned as “Boom Boom Afridi,” constantly wore the number 10 jersey from his debut until he retired. He epitomizes cricket’s excitement and unpredictability. His explosive batting style and deceptive leg-spin bowling have mesmerized cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Afridi holds the record for the fastest century in One Day Internationals, showing his raw power and fearless approach to the game.
Besides this, his charismatic presence on the field has made him a fan favourite. Afridi’s contributions to Pakistan cricket extend beyond his playing days, inspiring a generation of cricketers and leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history. His enigmatic personality and thrilling performances ensures that he remains a cricketing icon.
6. David Miller (South Africa)
South Africa’s middle-order batter David Miller currently possesses the number 10 for his team at present. David Miller is renowned for his explosive batting style and exceptional fielding skills in the game of cricket. Hailing from South Africa, Miller has left a prominent mark on the sport with his ability to change the course of a match in a matter of overs. As a middle-order batsman, he is known for his aggressive stroke play, capable of dismantling even the most formidable bowling attacks.
Miller’s knack for delivering under pressure situations and his penchant for big-hitting make him a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket. Moreover, his athleticism and agility in the field have earned him accolades as a reliable fielder. Throughout his career, David Miller has captivated fans with his remarkable talent and continues to be a force to reckon with in the cricketing world.
5. Allan Donald (South Africa)
Before Miller, legendary pacer Allan Donald, nicknamed ‘White Lightning’, used to wear jersey no 10 for the Proteas. Allan Donald, renowned as the “White Lightning,” epitomized pace and aggression in cricket. The South African fast bowler terrorized batsmen with his blistering pace, lethal yorkers, and intimidating bouncers.
Donald’s fiery spells played a pivotal role in South Africa’s cricketing resurgence post-apartheid. His partnership with Shaun Pollock formed one of the most formidable bowling duos in the sport’s history. Donald’s memorable performances include his crucial role in South Africa’s series victories and his induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. A true icon of the game, Allan Donald’s legacy continues to inspire fast bowlers worldwide.
4. Peter Siddle (Australia)
Australian fast bowler Peter Siddle was the last player to wear the no 10 shirt. Peter Siddle, epitomizes grit and determination on the cricket field. Known for his relentless work ethic and unwavering commitment, Siddle has been a stalwart in the Australian bowling attack.
With his ability to generate pace and seam movement, he has troubled batsmen across the globe. Siddle’s memorable hatrick against England in the 2010 Ashes series stands as a testament to his skill and tenacity. Beyond his on-field exploits, Siddle’s leadership qualities and team spirit have earned him respect from teammates and opponents alike. His contribution to Australian cricket remains remarkable, making him a true marvel in the sport.
3. Darren Lehmann (Australia)
Darren Lehmann, a cricketing stalwart, distinguished himself as a dynamic batsman and astute leader. He owned jersey number 10. Renowned for his powerful stroke play and strategic acumen, Lehmann was a mainstay in the Australian cricket team during his playing days.
His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed made him a valuable asset in all formats of the game. Lehmann’s leadership qualities were evident during his tenure as coach of the Australian team, guiding them to numerous victories and fostering a culture of success. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, continue to inspire cricketers worldwide.
2. Craig McMillan (New Zealand)
Craig McMillan, a marvellous cricketer from New Zealand, left an indelible mark on the game with his powerful batting and handy medium-pace bowling. He also wore a number 10 jersey. Known for his aggressive stroke play, McMillan often turned matches with his ability to accelerate the run rate.
He represented New Zealand in both Tests and One-Day Internationals, contributing crucial innings in pressure situations. McMillan’s versatility and commitment to the team’s cause made him a fan favorite. Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching, further enriching the sport with his expertise and passion. Craig McMillan remains a cherished figure in New Zealand cricket history.
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
The most famous cricketer ever to don the No. 10 jersey is Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar is considered an all-time great, with Sir Don Bradman and Sir Viv Richards. Tendulkar began his international cricket career wearing 99 before switching to 33. In the end, he wore the number 10, which sounded like his surname.
Tendulkar holds the record for most Tests and ODIs played and also most runs in both formats. He is also the only batter to hit one hundred-centuries in international cricket. He scored 18,426 runs in 464 ODIs with 49 centuries and an average of 44.83 from 1989-2012. He was the first male batter to score an ODI double hundred.