Rahul Dravid, the legendary Indian cricketer, is famously associated with jersey number 19 during his illustrious career. He wore this number across formats for a significant part of his playing days. Known as “The Wall” for his exceptional technique and resilience, Dravid’s jersey number 19 became iconic among fans.

1. Rahul Dravid (India)

While there is no widely publicized story about why Dravid chose this number, players often pick numbers for personal or superstitious reasons. For Dravid, it might have simply been a number he felt comfortable with, or it could have held personal significance.

Dravid’s Legacy with Jersey Number 19

Consistency and Resilience: Dravid, donning jersey 19, was a symbol of reliability and determination. He was the backbone of the Indian batting lineup, especially in Test cricket.
Memorable Performances: Many of his standout performances, including his match-saving partnerships and overseas centuries, were achieved while wearing this jersey.

Rahul Dravid’s Cricketing Career Highlights

Test Matches: Scored 13,288 runs at an average of 52.31, including 36 centuries.
ODIs: Amassed 10,889 runs with 12 centuries.
The Wall of India: Known for his defensive technique, he was a master of playing under pressure and saving matches for India.

Other Numbers in His Career

Interestingly, Rahul Dravid was also seen in other jersey numbers early in his career, including 5 and 3, before settling on 19, which he carried throughout the majority of his cricketing journey. Even after retirement, the aura of jersey number 19 remains connected to Rahul Dravid, celebrating his immense contribution to Indian cricket. Today, as a coach, he continues to inspire generations with the same discipline and commitment he displayed as a player.

2. Chris Woakes (English)

Chris Woakes is an English cricketer known for his all-round abilities, excelling in both bowling and batting. Here’s a bit more about him:

Full Name: Christopher Roger Woakes
Date of Birth: March 27, 1989
Place of Birth: Birmingham, England
Batting Style: Right-hand bat
Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium
Jersey Number: 19 (for England in all formats)

Early Career

Woakes started his career with Warwickshire County Cricket Club and made his debut for them in 2006. He quickly became one of the most promising all-rounders in England due to his skill with the ball and his ability to contribute with the bat.

International Debut

ODI Debut: 2011 vs. India
T20I Debut: 2011 vs. West Indies
Test Debut: 2013 vs. Australia in the Ashes series

Playing Style:

Bowling: Woakes is known for his swing bowling, especially in English conditions. He has the ability to move the ball both ways and can be particularly dangerous in seam-friendly conditions.
Batting: As a lower-order batsman, Woakes has often provided valuable contributions with the bat. He is capable of stabilizing innings or playing crucial knocks in pressure situations.

Notable Achievements

Woakes was a key player in England’s 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup-winning squad, delivering vital performances with both bat and ball. He has been a reliable performer for England in Test cricket as well, often playing the role of a bowler who can contribute in the lower-middle order with bat.

IPL

Woakes has also participated in the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, where his all-round skills have been utilized.

3. James Pattinson (Australia)

James Pattinson is a former Australian cricketer known for his aggressive fast bowling. Here are some key details about him:

Full Name: James Lee Pattinson
Born: May 3, 1990, in Melbourne, Australia
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
Jersey Number: 19

International Debut

Test Debut: November 2011 against South Africa
ODI Debut: March 2011 against New Zealand
T20I Debut: December 2011 against South Africa

Playing Style

Pattinson is known for his pace and ability to generate bounce. His most notable feature is his aggressive approach, often targeting the stumps and working up to speeds over 140 km/h. He is particularly effective in swinging the ball, both in the air and off the pitch, making him a handful in all conditions.

Career Highlights

Pattinson was a key figure in Australia’s fast-bowling attack during his peak years.
He played a crucial role in Australia’s 2017-2018 Ashes series.
Pattinson’s best Test match bowling figures came in the 2013 series against South Africa, where he picked up a 5-wicket haul in Cape Town.
He was often seen as a strike bowler who could change the course of a match, though his career was marred by a series of injuries.

Injuries and Retirement

Pattinson’s career was impacted by recurring injuries, particularly to his back and knees, which led to his early retirement from international cricket in 2021. Despite the setbacks, he was highly regarded for his tenacity and skill.

Domestic Career

Pattinson played for Victoria in domestic cricket and was a vital part of their success in domestic competitions. He also featured in the Big Bash League (BBL) with Melbourne Renegades.

James Pattinson remains one of the most respected fast bowlers in Australian cricket, known for his tenacious spirit and ability to take wickets at crucial moments.

4. Ahmed Shehzad (Pakistan)

Ahmed Shehzad is a Pakistani cricketer known for his aggressive batting style, particularly in limited-overs formats. Here are some key details about him:

Early Life and Background:

Full Name: Ahmed Shehzad
Born: November 23, 1991, in Lahore, Pakistan
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off-spin (occasional)
Role: Opening batsman

International Career

ODI Debut: May 21, 2009, against Sri Lanka.
T20I Debut: May 7, 2009, against Sri Lanka.
Test Debut: May 8, 2013, against Zimbabwe.

Shehzad rose to prominence as a top-order batsman with the ability to play both attacking and steady knocks. He has represented Pakistan in all three formats—Test, ODI, and T20I.
He was one of the prominent players in Pakistan’s 2014 Asia Cup and the 2015 ICC World Cup, where he made significant contributions with the bat.

Strengths and Playstyle

Aggressive Batsman: Known for his stylish stroke play, Shehzad is an attacking batsman, often opening the innings. He has the ability to score quickly, especially in limited-overs cricket.
Consistency: While his aggressive approach sometimes leads to inconsistency, he has been a key figure in Pakistan’s batting order in multiple series.

Achievements:

Centuries: Shehzad has scored multiple centuries in ODI cricket, making him one of the few Pakistani players to do so in the 50-over format.
First Pakistani to Score a T20I Century: He was the first Pakistani cricketer to score a T20I century, which he did against Bangladesh in the 2014 T20 World Cup.

Controversies

Shehzad’s career has also been marred by controversies, particularly surrounding his temperament and disciplinary issues. He has been involved in a few on-field altercations and controversies, which have sometimes affected his place in the team.

Domestic Career

Ahmed Shehzad has played for various domestic teams in Pakistan and has been a key figure in Pakistan’s domestic competitions, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he has represented teams like Quetta Gladiators.

Shehzad’s future in international cricket has had ups and downs, but he remains a key figure in Pakistan’s cricketing setup due to his talent and potential.