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In a significant move, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly to retire the iconic No. 7 jersey, as a tribute to the legendary MS Dhoni.
A fitting tribute to MS Dhoni’s iconic legacy
This decision comes as a mark of respect for Dhoni’s illustrious career, during which he led India to triumph in all three white-ball ICC tournaments while donning the No. 7 jersey. The association between Dhoni and the number has become iconic in cricketing history. This retirement of jersey mirrors a similar gesture made for Sachin Tendulkar, whose No. 10 jersey was also retired by the Indian board.
BCCI informs Team India players about the decision
According to the Indian Express report, Team India players, including debutants, have been informed that the numbers 7 and 10 are now off-limits. The official has further confirmed that a total of 60 numbers have currently been allotted to the players in the Indian cricket team.
“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 was quoted as saying as per the report.
“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 official concluded.
Also READ: “Thala for a reason” trend takes internet by storm: Here’s from where the phrase associated with MS Dhoni originated
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Dhoni’s no 7 jersey retired by BCCI is ultimate recognition to a Legend who blasted into the scene and won everything possible through calm Leadership. Jersey retires but Corporate lessons will live forever. What a Champion. @msdhoni #Dhoni #BCCI
— Cricket-Sanket 🏏 (@awesomesanket) December 15, 2023
Sleepy me got a mini attack misreading Dhoni's jersey number retired as Dhoni retired. Bc you can't even be sure, this guy can even announce retirement midnight.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) December 15, 2023
MS Dhoni’s iconic No.7 jersey is officially retired by BCCI. (Indian Express)
BCCI has informed players in the national team, especially the debutants, that they don’t have the option of numbers associated with Tendulkar and Dhoni.#MSDhoni #Dhoni pic.twitter.com/UQhX0gucJB
— Ishan Joshi (@ishanjoshii) December 15, 2023
MS Dhoni's No.7 jersey has been officially retired from the Indian cricket team by BCCI As a tribute to the legend 💛#MSDhoni #Dhoni #MSDhoni #ThalaForAReason pic.twitter.com/mG39VM9XK2
— Media Myths (@Media_Myths) December 15, 2023
What a beautiful news to wake up to.
Dhoni’s number 7 jersey has now officially been retired by BCCI.#CricketTwitter #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/x7jXwXMPlg
— Vibhor (@dhotedhulwate) December 15, 2023
MS Dhoni's No.7 jersey has been officially retired by the BCCI. pic.twitter.com/D30urp9QE4
— Lalatendu Rout (@Littu85) December 15, 2023
MS Dhoni's number 7 Jersey retired from Indian cricket. The Message is permanently clear Thala for a reason 🧿 pic.twitter.com/SDYZVoUaio
— Himanshiii Tripathi (@Himanshiii_T) December 15, 2023
Jersey No.7 Retired !! 🇮🇳💙
“The young players and current Indian team players have been told not to pick MS Dhoni’s Number 7 jersey. The BCCI has decided to retire Dhoni’s T-shirt for his contribution to the game.” @MSDhoni | #MSDhoni | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ARIFkYPn1u
— Nithish MSDian 🦁 (@thebrainofmsd) December 15, 2023
MS Dhoni's No.7 jersey has been officially retired by the BCCI. (Indian Express).#MSD7 #ThalaForAReason pic.twitter.com/bmT2XvvwoX
— abhay singh (@abhaysingh_13) December 15, 2023
MS Dhoni's number 7 Jersey retired from Indian cricket as a tribute to the legend. [Express Sports]
– BCCI has informed the players in the national team. pic.twitter.com/u6pRjit6UP
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 15, 2023
CSK captaincy and beyond
Notably, Dhoni continues to contribute to the sport, captaining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with the franchise retaining him ahead of the upcoming IPL 2024 auction.
