An unusual sight grabbed attention during India’s final group-stage fixture of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup when opener Abhishek Sharma walked out to bat wearing the No. 73 jersey, belonging to teammate Mohammed Siraj.
The moment sparked immediate curiosity among fans and commentators. Was it a superstition? A tactical switch? Or a dressing-room mix-up? The answer, however, was far more straightforward.
A simple logistical oversight
As it turned out, Abhishek had inadvertently left his official match jersey at the team hotel before arriving at the venue. With match proceedings about to begin and no practical way to retrieve the kit in time, the opener opted to borrow Siraj’s spare jersey to avoid delaying India’s innings.
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There was no symbolic message or strategic intent behind the decision — just a quick solution to an unexpected logistical hiccup. Such incidents are rare at the international level, where team operations are typically meticulous, which is why the visual stood out.
Match context and performance
India had already secured qualification for the Super 8 stage before this encounter, reducing pressure around the outcome. The team management retained Abhishek at the top of the order despite his lean run in the tournament, backing him to rediscover rhythm ahead of the knockout phase.
However, the change in attire did little to shift fortunes. Abhishek was dismissed early yet again, extending his struggle in the competition. The dismissal added to scrutiny around his form, especially with crucial fixtures on the horizon.
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While the borrowed jersey became a talking point across broadcasts and social media, the explanation was refreshingly simple, a forgotten shirt, a quick adjustment, and cricket moving on.
