MS Dhoni Jersey Number: The History Behind the Iconic Number in Team India

MS Dhoni, fondly known as “Captain Cool” and “Mahi,” has left an indelible mark on cricket history through his remarkable career as both a player and a captain. Dhoni’s influence on Indian cricket goes beyond mere numbers; it stems from his unwavering calmness, exceptional leadership, and innate ability to excel in tense situations.

As a player, Dhoni redefined the role of a wicketkeeper-batsman, combining agility behind the stumps with powerful and skillful batting. His helicopter shot became iconic, representing his innovative approach to the sport. With numerous match-winning performances in various formats, Dhoni held a pivotal position in India’s batting lineup for more than a decade.

Why did Dhoni choose number 7?

In a recent statement, MS Dhoni talked about why he chose the number 7 jersey. He shared that this number is deeply meaningful to him because he was born on the 7th of July. Dhoni also pointed out that July, the month of his birth, matches the number on his jersey. Moreover, he mentioned that since he was born in 1981, the digits of the year add up to 7 (8-1=7), which adds to his connection with the number. Dhoni emphasized that the number 7 represents more than just a jersey number to him; it symbolizes his identity and personal journey, reflecting his emotional bond with it.

When asked about the significance of the number 7 to him, Dhoni, known for his witty responses, replied with a chuckle: “This number is connected to my birth. My birth month is 7, and if you add 8-1 from the year 1981, it also totals to 7. So, when they asked me what number I wanted, it was an easy decision.”

Just Thala Dhoni being Thala Dhoni !! 😂❤️#MSDhoni #WhistlePodu #Dhoni @msdhoni
🎥 via @/single.id pic.twitter.com/Y68CqES6h3

— TEAM MS DHONI #Dhoni (@imDhoni_fc) February 10, 2024

End of the Era: MS Dhoni’s No 7 Jersey Retired

The BCCI has decided to honor Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the two-time World Cup-winning captain, by retiring his iconic number 7. Dhoni wore this number throughout his international career and still uses it for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Reports indicate that the Indian cricket board has instructed current players not to choose the number 7 anymore, similar to how Sachin Tendulkar’s number 10 jersey was retired some years ago.

MS Dhoni’s No.7 jersey has been officially retired by the BCCI. (Indian Express). pic.twitter.com/jnty27dkJ4

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 15, 2023

Beyond Cricket: Retiring Jersey Traditions Across Sports

The tradition of retiring jersey numbers isn’t limited to cricket. Napoli, an Italian football club, retired the No. 10 jersey in honor of Diego Maradona. Similarly, the Chicago Bulls retired their No. 23 jersey for Michael Jordan.

In the National Hockey League (NHL), Wayne Gretzky’s No. 99 jersey was retired in 1999. Gretzky, nicknamed the “Great One,” holds numerous NHL records and is widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time.

The Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Commission retired Muhammad Ali’s No. 3 jersey in 2007. Ali, not only considered one of the greatest boxers ever, but also known for his outspoken personality and advocacy for social justice, has become a global icon.

The Legacy of Number 7 in Indian Cricket and Beyond

The number 7 jersey became famous in Indian cricket thanks to MS Dhoni, who captained the team to victory in the first T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. He also wore number 7 while leading CSK to five IPL titles. This number is also popular in football, with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Luis Figo, and Kylian Mbappe wearing it for their teams.

Dhoni chose number 7 not out of superstition, but because it corresponds to his birth date, July 7. When people think of cricket and the number 7, Dhoni’s name often comes up.

Although the BCCI has retired Dhoni’s iconic number 7 jersey, he wasn’t the first Indian cricketer to wear it. However, no future Indian player will wear the number, and only two others had worn it before Dhoni debuted.

Team India’s Number 7 Jersey History Before MS Dhoni

Former fast bowler and current Team India chief selector Ajit Agarkar wore the number 7 jersey during the 1999 ODI World Cup. Another fast bowler, now ICC match referee Javagal Srinath, also sported the number 7 jersey for Team India in the ICC ODI World Cup 2003. Presently, India women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur continues to wear the famous number 7 in all formats of international cricket and in T20 leagues worldwide, such as the Women’s Premier League (WPL).

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