Request BCCI to retire jerseys No. 18 and No. 45: Suresh Raina

Former India cricketer Suresh Raina urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials to retire jersey numbers 18 and 45. Notably, after winning the T20 World Cup 2024, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma decided to retire from T20I cricket, which promoted Raina to ask BCCI to retire their jersey numbers. 

Raina noted that the governing body decided to retire number seven in honour of MS Dhoni and should follow the same for Kohli and Rohit. He added that the youngsters should feel motivated by looking at the iconic jersey numbers and try creating a legacy for themselves. He lauded the Indian stalwarts and thanked them for their contribution to Indian cricket.

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“I request the BCCI to retire jerseys No.18 and No.45. They need to have a special occasion where they keep these jersey numbers in their office. The number 7 is already retired, they should do the same for 18 and 45. Every person who sees the number should get motivated. The numbers 18 and 45 have won India games from so many situations that whichever player comes into the team, they should feel motivated by just looking at these numbers,” Raina told JioCinema.

Former cricketer Abhinav Mukund noted the pressure players will have if they dare to wear jersey numbers 18 or 45. He added that just like the National Basketball Association (NBA), BCCI also should consider retiring legendary jerseys.

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“I follow the NBA and they retire the players' iconic jerseys. That's exactly what you need to do. Imagine the pressure on the next guy who is going to wear the No.18 jersey and walk out to bat,” Mukund said.

Notably, both cricketers enjoyed themselves during India’s T20 World Cup celebration in Mumbai. They were pictured holding the trophy and later danced to the tunes of ‘Chak de India’ at Wankhede Stadium. They will continue playing in Test and ODI cricket after which, BCCI might consider retiring the jersey numbers.