The Legacy Continues: BCCI Retires MS Dhoni's Iconic No. 7 Jersey
In a move that reflects the profound impact of MS Dhoni on Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially retired his iconic No. 7 jersey.
This decision comes on the heels of Sachin Tendulkar's No. 10 jersey being taken off the list in 2017, marking a symbolic tribute to two of the greatest cricketers in Indian history.
Traditionally, cricketers are allowed to choose their preferred jersey numbers before making their debut for the Indian team. According to ICC rules, numbers between 1 and 100 are up for grabs, but the recent BCCI directive has prohibited young players from requesting the No.7 jersey. This decision, reported by The Indian Express, underscores the reverence and respect the cricketing board holds for Dhoni's immense contribution to the sport.
“A new player can’t get No. 7, and No. 10 was already off the list of available numbers,” a senior BCCI official stated, emphasizing the significance of retiring MS Dhoni's T-shirt for his outstanding achievements in cricket.
This move comes three and a half years after Dhoni's retirement in August 2020. Despite bidding farewell to international cricket, he left an indelible mark by leading the Indian team to victory in all three ICC white-ball tournaments—a feat unmatched by any other captain.
Dhoni's leadership was pivotal in clinching the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup, ending India's 28-year-long wait for an ODI World Cup in 2011, and securing the Champions Trophy title in 2013. His iconic six at the Wankhede Stadium in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka remains etched in the memory of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
The Ranchi-born cricketer, who currently captains the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, boasts an illustrious international career, featuring 90 Tests, 350 ODIs, and 98 T20Is. Dhoni's contributions go beyond his batting prowess; he holds the record for the most dismissals by an Indian wicketkeeper, with 634 catches and 195 stumpings.
However, the retirement of jersey numbers has raised concerns about limited options for young Indian cricketers. With only a limited number of retired players available for selection, debutants face a challenge in choosing a unique identifier. The report highlights the case of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who desired jersey No.19 but had to settle for No. 64 as Dinesh Karthik still holds the former number.
In essence, the retirement of MS Dhoni's No. 7 jersey not only pays homage to a cricketing legend but also shapes the narrative of the evolving jersey number tradition in Indian cricket. As the baton is passed to the next generation, the limited choices underscore the weight of each number and the legacy it represents.
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