Sachin Tendulkar – Number 10
Arguably the most sacred number in Indian cricket, the No. 10 jersey became synonymous with Sachin Tendulkar. For over two decades, Tendulkar carried the hopes of a billion people, and the number 10 on his back became a symbol of that weight and his divine
talent. Initially, he wore No. 99, but later switched to 10. While the exact reason is debated, with some suggesting it was for the 'Ten' in his surname, the number grew into a legend of its own. After an uproar when another player, Shardul Thakur, wore it, the BCCI unofficially retired the No. 10 jersey as a mark of respect for the Master Blaster, ensuring it remains his forever in the hearts of fans.
MS Dhoni – Number 7
If No. 10 belongs to Sachin, then No. 7 is unequivocally MS Dhoni's. 'Thala', as he is fondly called, made the number a brand representing cool-headed leadership and explosive finishing. Dhoni himself revealed the simple reason for choosing it: he was born on the 7th of July, the seventh month. He jokingly added that since he was born in 1981, 8 minus 1 also equals 7. While he denies being superstitious, the number became central to his identity, from his brand endorsements to his on-field persona. Recognizing its immense significance, the BCCI officially retired the No. 7 jersey from Indian cricket after Dhoni's international retirement, cementing its legendary status.
Virat Kohli – Number 18
For Virat Kohli, the number 18 is a deeply personal and poignant tribute. He has worn the number since his Under-19 days. Its significance is tied to his father, who passed away on December 18, 2006, when Kohli was just 18 years old. In a display of immense mental fortitude, the young Kohli returned to the field the very next day to score a crucial 90 for his team in a Ranji Trophy match. Ever since, the number has served as a constant reminder of his father's presence and the strength he drew from that personal tragedy. The number has coincidentally appeared at other key moments, including his ODI debut on August 18, 2008, forever linking it to his journey.
Rohit Sharma – Number 45
Rohit Sharma, the 'Hitman' of Indian cricket, sports the number 45. The story behind it is a charming tale of maternal advice and a touch of numerology. During the Under-19 World Cup, players were asked to pick jersey numbers. Rohit wanted No. 19, but it was unavailable. Confused, he called his mother, who suggested 45. The choice resonated with him, as an astrologer had also recommended the number 9 for luck, and 4 plus 5 equals 9. Since then, from his international matches to his captaincy at Mumbai Indians, the number 45 has become an integral part of the record-breaking opener's identity.
Chris Gayle – Number 333
The 'Universe Boss' needed a number as explosive as his batting, and he found it in 333. Chris Gayle chose this unique three-digit number to commemorate his highest score in Test cricket—a mammoth 333 against Sri Lanka. It was a statement of power and a nod to one of his greatest achievements in the longest format of the game. In T20s, he has also been seen wearing No. 175, his record-breaking individual score in the IPL. For his incredible impact in the IPL, his team Royal Challengers Bangalore retired the No. 333 jersey in his honor, along with AB de Villiers' No. 17, cementing their legacies with the franchise.
