Retirement marks the end of an era as BCCI opts not to reassign MS Dhoni's No. 7 jersey.

The retirement of MS Dhoni's No. 7 jersey by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) marks a significant moment in cricket history, reminiscent of the honorary retirement of Sachin Tendulkar's No. 10 jersey a few years ago. This decision underscores the unique connection between players and their chosen jersey numbers, a bond that extends beyond the field and captures the sentiments of both players and fans.

In a move mirroring the football world's tributes to iconic players like Diego Maradona (No. 10) and Paolo Maldini (No. 3), the BCCI's decision to retire Dhoni's No. 7 reflects a deep respect and love for the charismatic captain. The emotional attachment to a jersey number often begins as a sentimental choice by players, but it gradually becomes an integral part of a player's identity, achieving iconic status in the minds of fans.

Wearing a jersey associated with legendary players like Tendulkar or Dhoni creates a sense of connection and shared talent. The prevalence of jerseys featuring numbers like "18" and "45" (representing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, respectively) during the World Cup exemplifies this phenomenon. Speculation arises whether Kohli's No. 18 might be retired when he concludes his illustrious career, and the fate of Rohit Sharma's number remains uncertain, hinging on the outcome of his captaincy.

The repercussions of a newcomer adopting the jersey number of a cricket legend were evident when Shardul Thakur debuted wearing Tendulkar's No. 10. The move was met with a sense of betrayal among fans, and even Rohit Sharma playfully teased Thakur, acknowledging the audacity it takes to don that particular number. Subsequently, BCCI retired the No. 10 jersey, illustrating the final act in the myth-making process of a cricket legend. The retirement of a number symbolizes the immortalization of a player's legacy, preserving their impact on the sport for generations to come.