More Than Just a Number
In the world of sport, certain jersey numbers become legendary. Pelé and Maradona made the No. 10 iconic in football, a number reserved for the team's most creative and influential player. In cricket, that same aura belongs to Sachin Tendulkar and his
No. 10 shirt. For millions of fans in India and across the globe, the number evokes memories of perfect straight drives, monumental centuries, and the reassuring presence of the Master Blaster at the crease. It wasn’t just a digit on his back; it was an identity. The number became so intertwined with his legacy that seeing it on another player felt almost sacrilegious to the Indian cricket faithful. But interestingly, Tendulkar did not always wear No. 10. In the earlier part of his career, he was seen sporting numbers like 99 and 33.
A Simple Tip from an Astrologer
So, how did the Master Blaster land on the iconic No. 10? The most widely reported story isn't one of grand design, but of a simple, practical suggestion. It is believed that Tendulkar adopted the No. 10 jersey following advice from his family astrologer. The story goes that the astrologer suggested the number because Tendulkar's surname, 'Tendulkar', contains the word 'Ten'. This fun anecdote has become a popular part of cricketing lore. Another popular theory, mentioned in several reports, is that it was a tribute to football legend Pelé, whom Tendulkar admired. Regardless of the exact origin, whether it was a numerological suggestion or a nod to another sporting great, the number stuck, and history was made.
The Controversy of a Successor
After Tendulkar's retirement from One Day Internationals in 2012, the No. 10 jersey was respectfully kept aside, unworn by any player for nearly five years. The emotional attachment of the fans to the number became clear in August 2017. During his ODI debut against Sri Lanka, fast bowler Shardul Thakur stepped onto the field wearing the No. 10. The reaction was immediate and intense. Fans on social media expressed their dismay, feeling that the number belonged exclusively to Tendulkar. Thakur was trolled relentlessly, with even teammate Rohit Sharma posting a playful jibe on Twitter. Thakur later explained his choice was based on his own numerological calculations; the digits of his birth date (16/10/1991) add up to ten. However, the public sentiment was too strong to ignore.
An 'Unofficial' Retirement
The backlash from the Shardul Thakur episode prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take action. To avoid further controversy and protect young players from public pressure, the BCCI decided to 'unofficially' retire the No. 10 jersey from international cricket for the Indian team. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) has no provision for officially retiring jersey numbers, the BCCI made an internal decision. It was an informal agreement among players and the board, driven by a deep sense of respect for Tendulkar's unparalleled contributions to the game. His Indian Premier League team, the Mumbai Indians, had already officially retired the No. 10 shirt in his honour back in 2013. This move ensured that the number would forever be associated with the man who made it iconic.
