The iconic No.7 jersey of former India captain MS Dhoni will no longer be available for grabs for any other Indian player. Three years after the legendary wicketkeeper-batter drew curtains on his international career, the BCCI reported has decided to retire the number donned by Dhoni throughout his career.
According to Indian Express, the Indian cricket board made this move to pay tribute to Dhoni’s contribution to the sport since making his debut in 2004. The report further stated that the members of the Indian cricket team, especially the debutants, have been conveyed that the option to have the number 7 on their jersey is no longer available.
The young players and current Indian team players have been told not to pick M S Dhoni’s Number 7 jersey. The BCCI has decided to retire Dhoni’s T-shirt for his contribution to the game. A new player can’t get No. 7, and No. 10 was already off the list of available numbers, a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying.
Another former cricketer who was bestowed with a similar honor is legendary Sachin Tendulkar whose No. 10 jersey was retired in 2017. As far as the ICC rules are concerned, the players are allowed to pick a number between 1 to 100 but in India, there are limited options.
At present, 60-odd numbers are designated to the regulars in the Indian team and those in contention. So even if a player is out of the team for about a year or so, we don’t give away his number to a new player. That means a recent debutant has just 30-odd numbers to choose from, the BCCI official further added.
This move by the BCCI signifies the immense respect and admiration Dhoni commands within the cricketing fraternity and among fans all over the world. Known for his calm demeanor and unflinching leadership, Dhoni has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
The retirement of Dhoni’s No. 7 jersey not only pays tribute to his stellar career but also serves as a reminder of his monumental contributions to the sport. From his match-winning knocks to his lightning-fast stumping, Dhoni has always been a force to be reckoned with on the cricket field.
In addition to his numerous accolades, including leading India to multiple ICC tournament victories, Dhoni’s approach to the game has earned him admiration from fellow cricketers and fans alike. His tactical acumen and ability to stay cool under pressure have made him one of the greatest captains in cricket history.
With the retirement of his jersey number, Dhoni’s legacy will forever be etched in Indian cricket history. His impact on the game will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers to strive for excellence and embody the true spirit of the sport.
As fans mourn the end of an era with Dhoni’s retirement, this gesture by the BCCI serves as a fitting tribute to a man who has given his heart and soul to cricket. The No. 7 jersey will forever be synonymous with the name MS Dhoni, a player who has left an irreplaceable void in the Indian cricket team.
With his jersey retired, fans and cricket enthusiasts around the world will cherish the memories of Dhoni’s iconic performances and the mark he has left on the sport. Whether it’s his powerful sixes or lightning-quick stumpings, Dhoni’s contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
As the world eagerly awaits the emergence of new talent in Indian cricket, one thing remains certain: no one will don the No. 7 jersey again. It will forever be a symbol of the greatness and impact of MS Dhoni, a legend of the game.
