'That is the time or day my parents decided I would come on earth' - MS Dhoni at wittiest best while explaining reason behind jersey number 7

Former India captain MS Dhoni provided a humorous insight into why he chose the number seven for his jersey. Dhoni revealed that the number held special significance as it was the day his parents decided he would grace the Earth. Renowned for his quick wit, his explanation shed light on the personal touch behind his iconic jersey number.

The number 7 has become synonymous with Dhoni's illustrious cricketing career, where he led India to World Cup victories in 2007 (T20) and 2011 (ODI). His contribution to Indian cricket earned him the admiration of fans nationwide. In a gesture honoring his legacy, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) retired the No.7 jersey in December 2023, cementing the wicketkeeper-batter's place in cricketing history. 

“That is the time or day my parents decided I would come on earth. So, I was born on the 7th Of July. So July again the seventh month. 81 was the year so 8-1=7. So it was very easy for me to go out there when they asked me, ‘okay, what number do you want’,” Dhoni said as quoted by NDTV Sports.

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MS Dhoni’s thankless service to Indian cricket

Hailing from Ranchi, the Chennai Super Kings captain stands tall as one of cricket's premier white-ball maestros, renowned for his unparalleled abiity in finishing matches. 

In his illustrious career spanning 350 ODIs, Dhoni amassed 10,773 runs at a staggering average of 50.57 and a strike rate of 87.56, embellished with 10 centuries and 73 half-centuries. Across 90 Tests and 98 T20Is, he notched 4,876 and 1,617 runs respectively.

His leadership steered India to glory in the 2013 Champions Trophy, the last ICC triumph under his captaincy. His legacy as a match-winner and leader endures in the history of the world cricket.

Also read: MS Dhoni's No. 7 bowing out: BCCI retires jersey in reverence to cricketing legend