Jersey Number 11 : In the world of cricket, jersey numbers are more than just a way to identify players; they have become symbolic of individual achievements, legacies, and the personalities of those who wear them. Certain jersey numbers become iconic due to the cricketers who have donned them. Jersey number 11 is one such number that, despite not being as widely recognized as others like 10 or 7, has had its own significance in the world of cricket. This article delves into the importance of jersey number 11 in cricket, with a focus on the players who wore it and their contributions to the game.
The History and Significance of Jersey Number 11 in Cricket
Jersey numbers in cricket were not always a norm. The practice of assigning numbers to players began to be adopted more widely in the late 20th century, with cricket teams starting to wear numbered shirts during international tours and tournaments. Jersey number 11 holds particular significance in cricket as it traditionally represents the last player in the team — the 11th man.
In the world of cricket, the 11th player often plays a crucial, yet sometimes understated, role. Whether it’s a bowler whose spells can turn the tide, a lower-order batsman providing support, or a specialist fielder, the 11th player has an essential part to play in the team dynamic. As a result, jersey number 11 has been worn by a number of notable cricketers, with many of them delivering memorable performances.
The Players Who Wore Jersey Number 11
While jersey number 11 may not be as widely associated with a particular cricketer as, say, 10 (Sachin Tendulkar) or 7 (MS Dhoni), a number of key players have worn the number throughout the years. Some of these players have made a significant impact in the cricketing world, even if they were not always in the limelight.
1. VVS Laxman
- Jersey Number: 11
- Period: 2000–2012
- Position: Batsman
- Notable Achievements: Laxman is widely regarded as one of India’s most elegant and stylish batsmen. Known for his remarkable Test performances, particularly in India’s victories over Australia, Laxman wore 11 as his jersey number throughout his career. His most famous innings is the 281 he scored against Australia in 2001 at Kolkata, a knock that helped India to a historic win.
2. Shreyas Iyer
- Jersey Number: 11
- Period: 2017–Present
- Position: Batsman
- Notable Achievements: Shreyas Iyer has made a significant impact in Indian cricket with his composed and aggressive batting. He has been a key figure in India’s middle order in ODIs and T20Is. Iyer was also appointed as the captain of the Indian team for the 2021-2022 tour of Sri Lanka. He wears the number 11 jersey, following in the footsteps of other Indian legends.
3. Mankad (Vinoo Mankad)
- Jersey Number: 11
- Period: 1946–1959
- Position: All-rounder (Bowler/Batsman)
- Notable Achievements: Vinoo Mankad, one of India’s greatest all-rounders, is famous for his exceptional bowling and batting skills. He was also a pioneer of the controversial but effective “Mankad” dismissal, in which he would run out the non-striker if they were out of their crease before the ball was bowled. His wearing of the number 11 is iconic in Indian cricket history.
4. Zaheer Khan
- Jersey Number: 11
- Period: 2000–2014
- Position: Bowler
- Notable Achievements: Zaheer Khan was one of India’s most successful fast bowlers. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Zaheer was a key player in India’s bowling attack during his career. He played a pivotal role in India’s 2011 World Cup win and remains one of India’s highest wicket-takers in both Tests and ODIs. He wore 11 for the majority of his career.
5. Mohammad Shami
- Jersey Number: 11
- Period: 2013–Present
- Position: Bowler
- Notable Achievements: Mohammad Shami is one of India’s most successful fast bowlers in the modern era. He has been a key figure in all formats of the game, with his pace, accuracy, and reverse swing making him a constant threat to opposition batsmen. Shami wears jersey number 11, continuing the legacy of fast bowlers wearing this number.
Why Is Jersey Number 11 Significant in Cricket?
In cricket, jersey number 11 is traditionally worn by the last member of the team, often the 11th man. This player plays a significant yet sometimes uncelebrated role in the team structure. Whether it’s a lower-order batsman who is expected to support the top order, or a bowler who provides a breakthrough when the team needs it most, jersey number 11 represents someone who can often be a game-changer.
- The “11th Man” Role: Traditionally, the 11th man is the last batsman or bowler on the team sheet, and often plays a pivotal role when the team is under pressure. For example, in a tight Test match, the lower-order batsman (number 11) may be required to stick around to ensure the team doesn’t lose all its wickets.
- Uncelebrated Hero: Many players who wear number 11 might not always get the attention they deserve. However, some of the most memorable moments in cricket have come from lower-order batsmen or bowlers with the number 11 on their back.
Indian Cricketers Who Have Worn Jersey Number 11
| Player Name | Jersey Number | Period | Position | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VVS Laxman | 11 | 2000–2012 | Batsman | Famous for his match-winning innings, especially 281 vs Australia. |
| Shreyas Iyer | 11 | 2017–Present | Batsman | Key middle-order batsman for India, led India in the 2021 Sri Lanka series. |
| Vinoo Mankad | 11 | 1946–1959 | All-rounder (Bowler/Batsman) | Pioneer of the Mankad dismissal, instrumental in India’s early successes. |
| Zaheer Khan | 11 | 2000–2014 | Bowler | 2011 World Cup winner, one of India’s top wicket-takers. |
| Mohammad Shami | 11 | 2013–Present | Bowler | Key fast bowler for India, known for his reverse swing. |
Conclusion
Jersey number 11 in cricket represents the last but certainly not the least player in the lineup. Though often worn by lower-order batsmen and bowlers who do not always receive the same level of attention as top-order players, those who have worn number 11 have made crucial contributions to Indian cricket’s success over the years.
Whether it’s VVS Laxman’s stylish centuries, Zaheer Khan’s breakthrough spells, or Shreyas Iyer’s stability in the middle order, the number 11 has been donned by cricketers who have risen to the occasion when the team needed them most.
As jersey numbers continue to hold meaning beyond identification, number 11 will always remind fans of those unsung heroes who contributed in big ways, often behind the scenes, but always playing a crucial role in India’s cricketing legacy.