Rohit Sharma reveals story behind his No. 45 jersey

Mumbai: Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma has revealed the story behind his iconic No. 45 jersey, explaining that it was not his original choice. The former India captain initially wanted a single-digit number and later played Under-19 cricket wearing No. 19. However, he had to look for another number after learning that Rahul Dravid was already using No. 19 for the Indian team.

In a recent conversation on the television show Family Full House with Rohit Sharma, the cricketer recalled how an early preference, an unexpected complication and a conversation with his mother eventually led him to choose the number that has become closely associated with his identity.

The story also offers a glimpse into the personal significance behind a jersey number recognised by cricket fans across the world.

Rohit initially wanted a single-digit number

During the conversation, actor Rahul Lohani asked Rohit why he chose No. 45 and how the number became part of his cricketing identity.

Rohit explained that choosing a jersey number was a simple matter when he first started playing cricket in a numbered shirt. However, by the time he had to make his selection, several numbers had already been taken by other players.

He said he had wanted a single-digit number, but options such as 5, 8 and 9 were unavailable. The number left for him was 19, which he liked and subsequently wore while playing Under-19 cricket.

For Rohit, No. 19 was therefore his first preferred jersey number during his early cricketing journey. At that stage, he did not anticipate that the same number would become an obstacle when he moved towards representing the senior Indian team.

Rahul Dravid’s association with No. 19 changed his plans

Rohit recalled that someone playing alongside him pointed out that he would not be able to use No. 19 if he progressed to the Indian team.

When Rohit asked why, he was told that the number belonged to Rahul Dravid, who was wearing No. 19 while representing India and was also leading the team at the time.

The information meant that Rohit needed to reconsider his choice. Although he had already become comfortable with No. 19 in Under-19 cricket, the number was associated with an established Indian international cricketer.

Rohit said he could not remember the name of the person who first explained the situation to him. However, he clearly remembered being told that he would have to select another number if he went on to play for India.

The episode eventually set the stage for the selection of No. 45, a number that would become one of the most recognisable identifiers in Indian cricket.

Rohit turned to his mother for advice

After learning that No. 19 would not be available to him for the Indian team, Rohit sought help from his mother.

He recalled reaching his hotel that evening and immediately calling her. He explained that he could not continue with his preferred number and asked her to suggest which jersey number he should choose.

According to Rohit’s account, his mother suggested No. 45. She initially advised him to consider No. 9, as she felt it would be a good number for him. However, No. 9 had already been taken.

Rohit also did not want to choose No. 27. He said he liked the appearance of the digits 4 and 5 placed next to each other. He shared that preference with his mother before settling on No. 45.

He also pointed out that the digits 4 and 5 add up to 9, connecting the final choice with his mother’s original suggestion.

The decision was therefore a combination of his mother’s advice and his own preference for the appearance and numerical value of 45.

How No. 45 became part of Rohit’s identity

Rohit made his international debut for India in 2007. Over the years, he developed into one of the country’s leading batters across formats, and No. 45 became closely associated with his performances.

His career included major milestones in international cricket, including leadership responsibilities and significant contributions in limited-overs cricket. As his profile grew, the number on his back became familiar to supporters in India and around the world.

The No. 45 jersey is now widely recognised as part of Rohit’s sporting identity. His latest account adds a personal dimension to that association, showing that the number emerged not from a long-standing plan but from circumstances during the early stages of his career.

The story also highlights the role his mother played in the decision. What began as a request for advice after losing access to No. 19 eventually resulted in a choice that remained with him throughout his international journey.

The story behind a familiar jersey number

Rohit’s explanation provides a reminder that the stories behind sporting symbols can be much more personal than fans might expect. For supporters, No. 45 is immediately associated with the Indian batter. For Rohit, however, it also recalls his early days in cricket, the unavailability of his preferred number and a conversation with his mother.

His account on Family Full House with Rohit Sharma traces the sequence from wanting a single-digit number to choosing 19, discovering its association with Rahul Dravid and finally settling on 45.

The number that was initially an alternative has since become an enduring part of Rohit’s identity in international cricket.