45: Rohit Sharma, the Indian cricketer who has become one of the most celebrated players in the world, is not just known for his stylish batting and leadership abilities but also for his iconic jersey number 45. For fans, his jersey has become synonymous with his achievements on the field, including his record-breaking knocks and remarkable performances as a captain. The number 45 is now etched in the memory of cricket lovers around the world. But how did this number become so significant in his cricketing journey? To understand this, we need to look back at Rohit’s early days, his influences, and the deeper connection he developed with the number.
Early Days and the Number 45
Rohit Sharma’s rise to prominence in international cricket was not immediate. Born on April 30, 1987, in Bansod, Maharashtra, Rohit initially played in the domestic circuit before making his debut for India. But long before his international cricket journey, there was an important influence in his life—his childhood coach, Dinesh Lad. Coach Lad, who had a significant impact on Rohit’s career, had a hand in shaping his approach to the game.
The jersey number 45 was not something that Rohit specifically chose for superstition or marketing appeal. Instead, it was a natural progression stemming from his childhood. When he was playing for his school team and later for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rohit wore number 45 as part of his playing kit. In fact, this jersey number was assigned to him when he first started playing professional cricket and stuck with him as he moved forward.
The IPL played a pivotal role in making jersey numbers a bigger part of players’ identities. The competition allowed players to pick numbers that they felt a personal connection with, and for Rohit, 45 became a symbol of his journey.
Significance of the Number 45
While the initial choice of jersey number might seem coincidental, over time, the number 45 took on deeper significance for Rohit Sharma. Some players choose their jersey numbers based on numerology, while others rely on superstition or their role models. In Rohit’s case, however, there is no direct link to any such beliefs. His number 45 became iconic primarily because of his extraordinary performances while wearing it.
Rohit has worn the number 45 with pride throughout his cricketing career, and his achievements while donning this number have made it famous. For instance, he has scored three double centuries in One Day Internationals (ODIs), a record that has yet to be broken by any other player. The most memorable of these came against Sri Lanka in 2014, when he became the first player in history to score a score of 264 in an ODI. This innings is often considered one of the greatest ODI knocks of all time.
The number 45 is now more than just a jersey number; it is a symbol of success, achievement, and determination. It is associated with moments that have defined Rohit’s career, and the number has garnered a massive fan following.
Influence of the IPL and Mumbai Indians
One of the key factors behind Rohit Sharma’s continued association with the number 45 is his IPL career, particularly with Mumbai Indians (MI). Since his debut with MI in 2011, Rohit Sharma’s number 45 has been visible on the field in every IPL season he has played in. As captain of the Mumbai Indians, Rohit has led the team to numerous IPL titles, cementing his legacy in the league.
Rohit Sharma’s IPL Achievements with Mumbai Indians (MI)
| Year | Matches Played | Runs Scored | Average | Strike Rate | IPL Titles Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 15 | 333 | 33.30 | 131.55 | 0 |
| 2012 | 16 | 433 | 33.30 | 134.20 | 0 |
| 2013 | 16 | 538 | 38.42 | 131.38 | 1 |
| 2014 | 16 | 348 | 34.80 | 127.76 | 0 |
| 2015 | 15 | 482 | 43.81 | 130.41 | 1 |
| 2017 | 14 | 286 | 31.77 | 122.30 | 1 |
| 2019 | 15 | 405 | 50.62 | 130.41 | 1 |
| 2020 | 15 | 332 | 41.50 | 138.01 | 1 |
| 2021 | 14 | 381 | 54.42 | 132.22 | 0 |
| 2022 | 14 | 343 | 39.31 | 128.02 | 0 |
Rohit Sharma’s consistent presence in the IPL, along with his number 45, has made the combination almost inseparable in the minds of MI fans and cricket enthusiasts. As captain, his leadership has seen Mumbai Indians become one of the most successful franchises in the history of the IPL, with five titles to their name as of 2023. His contributions, both as a player and as a leader, have strengthened his association with the number 45.
Rohit Sharma’s Record-Breaking ODI Career
Another significant aspect of Rohit Sharma’s journey with jersey number 45 is his ODI career. Sharma has been nothing short of remarkable in the 50-over format. His three double centuries, including the world record score of 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014, have brought unprecedented attention to the number 45. Rohit is also the only player to score more than one double century in ODIs.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI Double Centuries
| Opponent | Year | Runs | Balls Faced | 4s | 6s | Match Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 2014 | 264 | 173 | 33 | 9 | India won |
| Sri Lanka | 2017 | 208* | 153 | 13 | 12 | India won |
| Australia | 2019 | 209 | 156 | 16 | 3 | India won |
In fact, Rohit’s rise as a limited-overs giant coincided with his jersey number 45 being in full public view. His majestic knocks have contributed greatly to India’s success in global tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013, and his presence in the 2019 World Cup helped India reach the semifinals.
Why the Number 45 Continues to Inspire
Over the years, Rohit Sharma’s jersey number 45 has grown in stature. It has become more than just a number on his back; it is now part of his identity as a cricketer and as a leader. The iconic 45 represents his resilience, talent, and passion for the game. It is a constant reminder of his journey from a budding young cricketer to one of the modern-day legends.
Many cricketers, both in India and abroad, now wear number 45 in honor of Rohit Sharma. The association of his number with so many of his feats on the cricket field has created an aura around it. Fans who are lucky enough to wear a replica of his jersey proudly display number 45, sharing in his success and cherishing his cricketing legacy.
Rohit Sharma’s jersey number 45 has transcended its humble origins and become an emblem of his cricketing achievements. From his early days under the tutelage of Dinesh Lad to his rise as a world-class batsman and IPL champion, 45 has been by his side, representing a journey of excellence, consistency, and leadership. His iconic double centuries, leadership triumphs, and IPL successes have made this number unforgettable to millions of fans. Through his performances, Rohit Sharma has solidified number 45 as a symbol of greatness in modern cricket.
As Rohit continues to redefine his career with each passing year, the number 45 will remain a part of his identity, inspiring future generations of cricketers to dream big, work hard, and achieve greatness in the world of cricket.
