According to a source, former India captain MS Dhoni made the number 7 jersey his own during his playing days, and the BCCI has now decided to officially retire the number. This is the BCCI’s second such homage, following the retiring of Sachin Tendulkar’s renowned No. 10 shirt in 2017.
Since the numbers on select jerseys become iconic and become emblems of excellence, honour, and remember, retiring jerseys has become rather popular. One of the most important traditions in the game is the practice of retiring jersey numbers, which tells volumes about the enduring influence and legacy left by famous sportsmen.
In 2017, the BCCI took an unusual move by ‘unofficially’ retiring Sachin Tendulkar’s No. 10 jersey. In Indian cricket, this gesture symbolised the end of an era.
Australia, too, witnessed one of cricket’s greatest tragedies when Phil Hughes died after being struck by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match. Australia retired the No. 64 jersey in 2014 to honour Phil Hughes.
