"I request the BCCI to retire jerseys No.18 and No.45" - Suresh Raina after India's T20 World Cup win

South Africa v India: Final - ICC Men
Suresh Raina wants the BCCI to retire the jersey numbers of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma when they hang up their boots

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina feels the BCCI should honor star cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma by retiring their jersey numbers 18 and 45, respectively. The BCCI has already retired jersey No. 7 after the great MS Dhoni called it quits from international cricket.

Both Kohli and Rohit played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup-winning campaign and Raina feels that youngsters should get inspired by just having a look at duo's iconic jersey numbers.

Suresh Raina told Jio Cinema:

"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."

Just like football superstars Lionel Messi (10) and Cristiano Ronaldo (7) have their iconic numbers, Suresh Raina feels the same should be with Kohli and Rohit.


Abhinav Mukund agreed with Suresh Raina's idea of retiring Kohli and Rohit's jersey numbers

Former Indian opener Abhinav Mukund was also present in the discussion and agreed with what Suresh Raina had to say about the iconic jerseys of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

Giving the example of how some iconic jersey numbers of former NBA players have been retired, Mukund said:

"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."

Kohli won the Player of the Match in the final against South Africa for his 76-run knock. Rohit, meanwhile, was the highest run-scorer for India in the tournament with 257 runs to his name at a strike rate of 156.7.

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Edited by Samya Majumdar