Ask BCCI to retire Suresh Raina’s jerseys, number 18 and number 45

Officials from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have been requested to retire jersey numbers 18 and 45 by former Indian cricket player Suresh Raina. Notably, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma made the decision to retire from Twenty20 International cricket after winning the T20 World Cup 2024. This prompted Raina to request that the BCCI retire their jersey numbers.

 Suresh Raina pointed out that the governing board retired number seven in honour of MS Dhoni and that Rohit and Kohli ought to do the same.

He went on to say that the kids should try leaving a legacy for themselves and get inspired by the famous jersey numbers. He praised and expressed gratitude to the Indian cricket legends for their contributions.

“I ask that the BCCI retire the No. 18 and No. 45 jerseys. These jersey numbers have to be kept in their office for a very important occasion. Since the number 7 has already been retired, the numbers 18 and 45 ought to follow suit. Upon seeing the number, everyone ought to become inspired. Any player joining the team should be inspired by these numbers alone, as 18 and 45 have helped India win games in a variety of circumstances, Raina told JioCinema.

Abhinav Mukund, a former cricket player, talked about the pressure players face if they dare to wear jersey numbers 18 or 45. In line with the National Basketball Association (NBA), he continued, BCCI ought to think about retiring iconic jerseys.

“I watch the NBA, and they retire the iconic jerseys of the players.” That’s precisely what you should do. Mukund stated, “Just think of the pressure that will be on the next player to put on the No. 18 jersey and walk out to bat.”

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Notably, both cricket players had a good time in Mumbai during India’s T20 World Cup celebrations. They later danced at Wankhede Stadium to the beats of “Chak de India,” after being photographed carrying the trophy. Following their continued participation in Test and ODI cricket, the BCCI may decide to retire the players’ jersey numbers.