Jersey number 10 transcends mere cloth and digits in cricket—it talks of greatness, legacy, and sporting immortality. While this iconic number has been donned by legends across sports, from football brilliance of Pelé to the wizardry of Maradona, cricket too has its own constellation of stars who have donned this divine digit. Iconic cricketers who wore the No. 10 jersey left their mark on cricketing history, with none more iconic than India's Sachin Tendulkar, whose association with the number became so ingrained that the BCCI subsequently retired it in his honor. Tendulkar's genius aside, the impressive list of other cricketing legends who've played well in this number cannot be forgotten. From firebrand all-rounders to virtuoso batsmen, these cricketers made No. 10 a symbol of cricketing excellence of different eras and nations. Popular cricketers who wore the No. 10 jersey Player Name Country Sachin Tendulkar India Shahid Afridi Pakistan Shaheen Afridi Pakistan David Miller South Africa Allan Donald South Africa Peter Siddle Australia Shardul Thakur India Craig McMillan New Zealand Stuart Law Australia Geraint Jones England Darren Lehmann Australia Popular cricketers who wore the No. 10 jersey Detailed Analysis Sachin Tendulkar Image Source : X Tendulkar's jersey number saga has a different tale to share. He first sported 99, then 33, and finally opted for 10—a number which came to signify cricketing perfection. His ODI statistics resemble a work of fiction: 18,426 runs in 464 matches, 49 centuries and the record-breaking double hundred against South Africa in 2010. What made Tendulkar's exchange with the No. 10 number so unique wasn't the runs he scored, but the manner in which he redefined batting excellence. Every stroke was orchestrated by the gods themselves. The BCCI’s decision to retire his number wasn’t merely ceremonial—it was recognition that some legacies are too sacred to replicate. Also Read | Sachin Tendulkar Net Worth: Cricket Icon's Financial Empire Shahid Afridi Image Source : Getty Images Few cricketers embodied the spirit of unpredictability quite like Shahid Afridi. His No. 10 jersey became a symbol of fearless cricket, whether he was launching sixes into orbit or spinning webs around batsmen. Afridi’s 398 ODI appearances yielded 8,064 runs and 395 wickets—numbers that tell only part of his story. His ability to change games in moments made him Pakistan’s most electrifying performer. The sight of fans wearing his No. 10 jersey in stadiums across Pakistan became commonplace, testament to his enduring popularity. His legacy extends beyond statistics; he inspired a generation to play cricket with unbridled passion and audacity. Shaheen Afridi Image Source : AP Image Following his father-in-law's footsteps, Shaheen Afridi has made the No. 10 jersey synonymous with pace bowling excellence. Since his debut in 2018, this left-arm pacer has sent batting lineups shivering around the world, grabbing 115 Test wickets, 104 ODI victims, and 96 T20I victims. His ability to deliver the ball both ways at superspeed, combined with his tall stature and aggressive temperament, makes him Pakistan's most lethal asset in the bowling unit. The arrival of the young pacer coincided with Pakistan's revival in white-ball cricket, making his No. 10 jersey the beacon of hope for the future of Pakistan's cricket. David Miller Image Source : AFP There have been many great batsmen to come from South African cricket, but none have mastered the art of closing out games like David Miller. His No. 10 shirt has witnessed some of cricket's most nail-biting conclusions, with Miller conjuring victories out of the most desperate of positions. On 4,458 ODI runs and 2,268 T20I runs, Miller's statistics do not reflect his impact. His six hundreds in ODIs always arrived under pressure, showcasing his mental strength. The left-arm southpaw's propensity to hit boundaries at will and stay as calm as ever has turned him into one of the most feared finishers of modern cricket. Allan Donald Image Source : ESPN Allan Donald's No. 10 shirt symbolized raw pace and aggression in South Africa's halcyon era. His 330 Test victims and 272 ODI scalps were the outcomes of raw pace coupled with masterly tactics. Donald's five-wicket performance on ODI debut said it all regarding the talent that would define his game over the years. His partnership with other South African bowling legends constituted one of cricket's finest bowling line-ups. Donald's vision of running in with his No. 10 jersey flapping behind him became the picture that became representative of South African cricket's aggressive approach in the 1990s and 2000s. Peter Siddle Image Source : Getty Images Peter Siddle's No. 10 jersey is forever remembered for one remarkable thing: accomplishing the unthinkable—having a hat-trick on his birthday in Test cricket. His 221 Test wickets were due to his tireless effort and unwavering accuracy. Siddle played between 2008 and 2019, during which he was Australia's go-to pace option in the conditions. He was a gem of a player because of his ability to swing the ball and provide line and length consistently. Even after international retirement, Siddle is still playing domestic cricket, showing that his No. 10 shirt still contains magic. Shardul Thakur Image Source : Twitter Shardul Thakur's brief career in wearing the No. 10 jersey brought unrivaled scandal in Indian cricket. In wearing Tendulkar's retired number during his 2017 debut, social media was filled with outrage. The BCCI faced unbelievable pressure, and Thakur needed to alter his number along with officially retiring No. 10. Save for the scandal, Thakur has established a good career with 31 Test wickets, 65 ODI wickets, and 33 T20I wickets. His story is a testament to how much cricket statistics are capable of touching the hearts of fans and the tribute given to excellent players. Craig McMillan Image Source : ICL New Zealander Craig McMillan wore the No. 10 jersey with finesse, earning over 7,000 ODI runs during his career. His right-handed batsman style was up to power, and he was a vital cog in New Zealand's middle order. McMillan's 197 ODI matches showcased his consistency and pressure-performance throughout his international career. His legacy in New Zealand cricket extended beyond personal statistics, as he played a key role in developing the competitive ethos of the team during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Stuart Law Image Source : Getty Images Stuart Law's brief international career is cricket's greatest enigma. Despite his obvious ability, Law only made 54 ODIs and a solitary Test appearance, and his No. 10 shirt became the symbol of potential unfulfilled. His 1,237 ODI runs may be few in number, but they bore witness to his class and technique. Law's domestic career was nothing less than spectacular and it is anybody's guess why he was not exposed to much more international cricket. His story is that of the harsh realities of world cricket, where talent does not necessarily translate to major opportunities. Geraint Jones Image Source : Getty Images Geraint Jones' No. 10 jersey will always be associated with England's historic 2005 Ashes triumph. His wicket-keeping and useful batting contribution helped to end Australia's Ashes stranglehold. Jones' 51 ODIs and 34 Tests yielded 862 and 1,172 runs respectively, but his impact was more than quantifiable. His efforts behind the wickets throughout the 2005 Ashes series played their part in one of the game's greatest moments. Later representing Papua New Guinea, Jones' career was an example of the global reach of cricket and the diverse paths to international cricket. Darren Lehmann Image Source : Reuters Darren Lehmann's No. 10 jersey was part of two Australia World Cup-winning campaigns in 1999 and 2003. His middle-order batting provided solidity and experience in crunch moments. With 1,798 Test runs and 3,078 ODI runs, Lehmann's statistics were a good international career. His five centuries in Tests and four ODI centuries demonstrated his ability to build large innings. Post-retirement, Lehmann's coaching success, such as leading Australia and the Deccan Chargers to 2009 IPL victory, demonstrated that he had deep knowledge of the game. Also Read | Players who Used Most expensive bat in the world Conclusion The No. 10 cricket jersey represents something more than just numerical distinction—sporting excellence, unforgettable moments, and cricketing legacy. From masterful centuries by Tendulkar to explosive bursts by Afridi, from lightning-fast balls by Donald to match-winning finishes by Miller, the number has seen it all. Well-known cricketers in the No. 10 jersey have added to the sport's rich fabric, each infusing their own flavor into its heritage. Though retirement of the number by BCCI is a recognition of Tendulkar's endeavour, stories of other No. 10 greats tell us that greatness is multidimensional, boundary-breaking, and inspiring generations to follow of cricketers from all over the world.