From roll numbers to scaling heights, RCB-W’s players narrate the story behind their jersey numbers

Jersey numbers are a very special part of any athlete’s sporting journey. From serving as reminders of very special moments to one’s own inspiration being with themselves, these numbers have countless significant memories backing them.

Narrating such special tales, one of the latest RCB Bold Diaries videos captured the true essence of these special digits on the back of our players’ shirts. 

It all started with a quick story from Smriti Mandhana, who said “I wanted 7 because my roll number in school was 7 at that time when I got into the Indian team. Someone called from the BCCI and told me to take 18. I asked why. He said that 18th July was my birthday, so just take it. I have had it for the last 10 years.”

Next up was the hard-hitting wicket-keeping batter, Richa Ghosh, as she said, “My jersey number is 13. I got this for the first time in Bengal. My performance was very good back then (it is better now). I got selected into the national team next year. So I decided to continue with 13.”

Renuka Singh Thakur said, “From where I hail, HP 10 is omnipresent. Whether on the number plate of a car or let’s say any other essentials in the making, HP 10 has always been central. That is why I opted to go for 10.”

Shreyanka Patil said, “My jersey number is 31. My roll number was 31 from pre-nursery to 10th grade. My lucky number is 31. 31st of July is also my date of birth.”

Sophie Devine said, “My jersey number is 77. That is where I grew up in Becken Tower in Wellington. That’s a nice reminder of where I have come from and how far I guess my journey has taken me.”

Kate Cross said., “I was given jersey number 16 when I played in English academy. My dad who played professional football always wore number 9. When he didn’t wear number 9 he also wore number 16. Hence…”

Ekta Bisht said, “Earlier my jersey number was 8. Perry’s jersey number is also 8. So now I have 88. One is always better than two.”

Asha Joy said, “My jersey number is 7. My birthday is 16 where if you add the two numbers, it is also 7, plus my favourite football player is Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Shubha Satheesh said, “My jersey number is 43. My mum and my sister’s birthdate is 4. And I wanted to take 3 from my birthdate.”

Disha Kasat added, “My jersey number is 19 and that is my birthdate.” Sabbhineni Meghana said, “My sister has been my biggest supporter since I started playing cricket. Her birthday is June 27th. My jersey number is 27.”

Indrani Roy said, “Every time I have got 11, I have got Player of the Match. I just said let’s try jersey number 11.”