The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently made a significant move to honor former Indian captain MS Dhoni's legacy by deciding to retire the iconic No. 7 jersey, which Dhoni famously donned throughout his illustrious career. This gesture is a testament to Dhoni's remarkable impact on Indian cricket, particularly in ICC events, where he has been one of the most successful captains.
Dhoni's No. 7 jersey has become a symbol of his contributions and achievements in the sport, similar to the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar's No. 10 jersey by the BCCI. The decision underscores the respect and admiration for Dhoni's role in shaping Indian cricket. A report from The Indian Express confirmed that the No. 7 shirt will no longer be available for Indian players, much like the No. 10 shirt.
"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 Board official told Indian Express.
This move by the BCCI not only celebrates Dhoni's outstanding career but also upholds the tradition of honoring cricket legends by preserving their legacy through their jersey numbers. In the past, there was an incident involving pacer Shardul Thakur briefly wearing the No. 10 shirt. However, following that episode, the BCCI decided to retire the No. 10 jersey.
With the retirement of the No. 7 jersey, the BCCI has shown its commitment to recognizing the significant contributions of its players. The official from the BCCI also confirmed that a total of 60 numbers have been assigned to current members of the Indian team, ensuring that each player has a unique identifier while representing the nation.
By retiring Dhoni's jersey number, the BCCI not only pays tribute to one of the game's greats but also inspires future generations of cricketers to uphold the values and standards set by players like Dhoni. The retirement of the No. 7 jersey is a fitting homage to a player who has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
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