Ex-India player Suresh Raina has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to retire jersey numbers 18 and 45 in T20 International format, as a gesture of respect for Indian cricketing legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Raina feels the move would honor Virat and Rohit's contributions to Indian cricket.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of the most iconic batters in the history of T20I cricket, announced their retirement from the format just hours after Team India were crowned T20 World Cup 2024 champions in Barbados, marking the "end of an era" for Indian cricket. The duo played crucial roles in India's historic win, leaving a lasting legacy in T20Is.
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Speaking on Jio Cinema, Raina said: "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," he added.
Ravindra Jadeja, one of the best all-rounders of all time and a crucial player for India in all formats, also announced his retirement from T20 International cricket, joining Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in stepping away from the format.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, two stalwarts of Indian cricket, have had a remarkable journey in T20 International cricket. Virat leaves with 4188 runs, while Rohit, the T20 World Cup-winning captain, stands as the highest scorer globally in the format with 4231 runs. Their retirements mark the departure of two of the most prolific run-getters in T20I history.