11: In the rich history of Indian cricket, jersey number 11 is often associated with the unsung heroes who, though not always in the limelight, have contributed immensely to the team’s success. The men who wore this number typically didn’t headline the team’s star-studded performances, but their efforts, whether with the bat, ball, or in the field, were essential in moments of crisis or in the support of more prominent players. Jersey number 11 is symbolic of those who performed crucial roles in the background, maintaining the team’s balance.
In this article, we will dive into the cricketers who wore the Indian national team’s jersey number 11 and made a significant impact in the game, often without the recognition they truly deserved.
Jersey Number 11: Who Wears It?
Jersey number 11, in any cricket team, generally corresponds to the last player in the batting order — the “tailender”. These players are usually not expected to produce match-winning innings, but they are still crucial in finishing games, supporting the primary batsmen, or offering resistance in tough situations. Despite being seen as a weak link at times, these cricketers are far from dispensable. Their contributions come in the form of invaluable partnerships, gritty performances, and in some cases, even match-winning spells.
In Indian cricket history, several players have worn the number 11 jersey at different times. Some became notable for their batting skills, others for their bowling, and a few earned respect for their exceptional fielding abilities. However, the contribution of these players often goes unnoticed in comparison to the flamboyance of the team’s star players.
Let’s take a detailed look at some of the cricketers who wore Jersey No. 11 for India and their key contributions.
Notable Indian Players Who Wore Jersey No. 11
| Player Name | Time Period | Role | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bishan Singh Bedi | 1966–1979 | Left-arm spinner | Key bowler for India in the 1970s, instrumental in India’s Test successes. |
| Harvinder Singh | 1998–2001 | Fast Bowler | Gritty performances in ODIs and Tests, essential part of India’s lower order. |
| Munaf Patel | 2006–2011 | Fast Bowler | Match-winning spells in World Cup 2011, economic and consistent bowler. |
| Zaheer Khan | 2000–2014 | Left-arm Fast Bowler | Led India’s pace attack, crucial in India’s 2007 World Cup campaign and 2011 World Cup win. |
| Shanthakumaran Sreesanth | 2005–2011 | Fast Bowler | Key role in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup victory, known for his aggression and energy. |
| Ishant Sharma | 2007–2023 | Fast Bowler | Leading bowler in Indian fast bowling history, crucial in India’s wins in Australia and abroad. |
| Deepak Chahar | 2018–Present | Fast Bowler | Known for his death over skills in ODIs and T20Is. |
| Ashish Nehra | 1999–2017 | Left-arm Fast Bowler | Gritty performances in World Cup 2003, known for his death-over bowling. |
| Sreesanth | 2005–2011 | Fast Bowler | Known for his fiery spells and match-winning performances in ICC events. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 2010–Present | Off-spinner | Ashwin played a major role in India’s 2013 ICC Champions Trophy win and 2017 Test series victories. |
| Harbhajan Singh | 1998–2016 | Off-spinner | Iconic off-spinner, key figure in India’s World Cup 2007 and 2011 triumphs. |
Key Contributions of Players Who Wore Number 11 Jersey
1. Bishan Singh Bedi
Bishan Singh Bedi, one of India’s finest left-arm spinners, was a mainstay in the Indian team during the 1970s. Known for his art of spin bowling, Bedi’s role often went beyond taking wickets; he was the backbone of India’s spin department alongside players like Erapalli Prasanna, Srinivas Venkataraghavan, and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar.
Although he was a bowler and primarily wore number 11 due to being the tailender in the batting order, Bedi’s bowling was critical in India’s successes in Test cricket, especially at home. His ability to consistently extract turn on dry wickets made him an invaluable asset for India. Even though his contribution to India’s World Cup triumphs came later, his role as a mentor to the new generation of spinners was undeniably important.
2. Munaf Patel
A key member of India’s pace attack during the 2011 World Cup, Munaf Patel was often seen in the number 11 jersey in ODI matches. Known for his steady and disciplined line and length, Patel formed a formidable partnership with Zaheer Khan and Sreesanth during the World Cup. His ability to bowl at the right length and his composure under pressure allowed him to excel, despite not being a headline player.
Though he didn’t get the glamour that other players received, his role in India’s World Cup win was pivotal. Patel’s spell in the final against Sri Lanka, where he bowled economically and took key wickets, helped India lift the prestigious trophy after 28 years.
3. Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, wore the number 11 jersey in the early stages of his career, and was later seen as a leader of India’s pace attack. Known for his swing bowling and ability to perform in key moments, Khan was one of the most consistent bowlers for India in the 2000s and early 2010s.
His best performance came in the 2011 World Cup, where he led India’s bowling attack with 21 wickets in 9 matches. Though he wasn’t always considered the team’s star player, Zaheer’s experience and skills in crucial moments earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.
4. Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma’s career trajectory has seen several peaks and troughs, but his role in India’s fast-bowling attack has remained crucial, especially in the longer format. As a key bowler, Sharma has been part of some of India’s most historic Test victories, including the team’s series wins in Australia and Sri Lanka.
Though Sharma wore the number 11 jersey in limited-overs cricket, his contribution in the Test format, particularly in the 2018 series in Australia, proved his worth. His aggressive fast bowling, alongside players like Mohammed Shami, led India to a historic Test series win in Australia. Sharma’s consistency, especially in overseas conditions, has earned him a place among the finest fast bowlers India has ever produced.
Contributions of Tailenders in Critical Moments
Tailenders like those who wore jersey number 11 have a knack for contributing when the team needs it most. Whether it’s a vital partnership with the top order or a crucial over or two with the ball, these players often play a defining role in turning the game.
1. Lower-order Partnerships:
In cricket, especially in Test matches, lower-order partnerships can often be the difference between a win and a loss. Players in the number 11 position often forge vital partnerships with the tail to add runs to the total or to resist pressure when the team is on the back foot.
Players like Ashish Nehra and Ishant Sharma have displayed remarkable resilience in such situations, contributing with vital lower-order runs or forming key partnerships with the higher-order batsmen.
2. Key Bowling Spells:
Fast bowlers, especially those who occupy the 11th position in the batting order, can make a huge difference with the ball. In the case of players like Sreesanth, Zaheer Khan, and Munaf Patel, their spells, often in the latter stages of the game, have been crucial in clinching victories for India, especially during World Cup matches and Test series wins.
The Unsung Heroes of Indian Cricket
While Indian cricket has always been synonymous with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni, the unsung heroes who wore jersey number 11 were just as important. They represented the unglamorous but essential parts of the team. Their gritty performances in the background helped India achieve numerous successes on the global stage.
Whether it was a crucial wicket, a stubborn partnership with the tail, or a disciplined spell with the ball, the contributions of players in the number 11 jersey have often been understated, but they have never been insignificant. As we look back at India’s cricketing history, these players deserve recognition for their efforts and their invaluable role in the country’s cricketing successes.