NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the retirement of MS Dhoni's iconic No.7 jersey in a heartfelt tribute to one of India's cricketing legends.
The decision, welcomed by BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla, is a testament to Dhoni's unparalleled contributions to Indian cricket, marking him as one of the sport's all-time greats.
"The decision of BCCI is an honour for MS Dhoni because of his contribution to Indian cricket. He has immensely contributed to world cricket and Indian cricket. This is a good decision. No.7, which was associated with him, cannot be diluted...someone else who could have had that number," Shukla expressed in a statement to ANI.
Dhoni, a World Cup-winning captain, has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world during his illustrious 15-year career. In Test cricket, he played 90 matches, amassing 4,876 runs at an average of 38.09, leaving a lasting legacy as the 14th-highest scorer for India.
As captain in the longest format, Dhoni led India in 60 Test matches, securing 27 victories, suffering 18 defeats, and drawing 15 matches. With a win percentage of 45.00, he stands as one of India's most successful Test captains, guiding the team to the number one ranking in the ICC Test Rankings.
Dhoni's prowess shone brightest in ODIs, where he scored 10,773 runs in 350 matches at an outstanding average of 50.57. As captain in the ODIs, he achieved a win percentage of 55, leading India in 200 matches, with 110 victories to his name.
In the T20 format, Dhoni played 98 matches, scoring 1,617 runs at an average of 37.60, with a strike rate of 126.13. Leading India in 72 T20Is, he secured 41 wins, 28 losses, and a win percentage of 56.94, further solidifying his status as a versatile and successful captain.
As the BCCI retires MS Dhoni's No.7 jersey, cricket enthusiasts and fans worldwide join in applauding the career of 'Captain Cool,' recognizing his extraordinary achievements and leadership that have etched his name in the annals of cricketing history.
(With inputs from ANI)
