Who Wears 45 Jersey Number in Cricket?
Jersey numbers hold a special place in cricket. Each number is not just a way to identify players on the field, but it often has personal meaning for the cricketer wearing it. Fans instantly connect certain numbers with particular players, creating a sense of tradition and recognition.
Some numbers become famous, linked to the achievements or personalities of cricket legends. In this article, we’ll share details of different players who have sported the 45 jersey and why this number has gained strong recognition in the cricketing world.
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Who Wears the 45 Jersey Number in Cricket?
The number 45 jersey is most closely associated with Rohit Sharma, the renowned Indian opener and current captain. However, a handful of other international cricketers have also worn this number in different formats and teams.
| Player | Country | Main Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | India | India, Mumbai Indians |
| Chris Gayle | West Indies | West Indies, T20 franchises |
| Samiullah Shinwari | Afghanistan | Afghanistan |
| Asif Ali | Pakistan | Pakistan |
| Alasdair Evans | Scotland | Scotland |
| Heinrich Klaasen | South Africa | South Africa |
1. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma has made the 45 jersey instantly recognizable. As India’s captain in limited-overs cricket, Sharma has worn number 45 for both India and his domestic teams, including Mumbai and the Mumbai Indians, since early in his career.
His milestone performances in ODIs and T20Is, especially as a destructive opener, have turned 45 into a symbol of batting excellence. Fans see the number 45 and immediately think of Sharma’s powerful hitting and calm leadership.
Sharma also used his jersey number in collaborations for merchandise, where part of the proceeds supported animal charity. The number follows him across international matches and IPL seasons.
2. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle, famous for his explosive batting in T20 cricket, has occasionally worn the number 45 on his West Indies jersey. While Gayle is better known for wearing 333, especially after his record-breaking triple century, he has also used 45, especially in shorter formats and franchise leagues.
Gayle’s reputation for sixes and his larger-than-life persona add an extra layer of excitement to any jersey he chooses.
3. Samiullah Shinwari (Afghanistan)
Samiullah Shinwari, a reliable all-rounder for Afghanistan, also chose the number 45. Shinwari has played many important roles for his national side, often making key contributions in the middle order and with his leg-spin bowling.
For fans of Afghan cricket, Shinwari is one of the country’s well-known faces in international matches.
4. Asif Ali (Pakistan)
Asif Ali, known for his finishing skills in T20 cricket, wears 45 for Pakistan.
Asif has built a reputation for aggressive batting in the lower middle order, especially in high-pressure run chases. The number 45 appears regularly on his green jersey during major tournaments.
5. Alasdair Evans (Scotland)
Alasdair Evans, a pace bowler from Scotland, also dons the 45 shirt in international matches. Evans has delivered key performances in World Cup qualifiers and ICC tournaments, making the number familiar to fans of Associate cricket.
6. Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa)
Heinrich Klaasen, a talented wicketkeeper-batsman from South Africa, wears 45 on his national team jersey. Klaasen’s aggressive stroke play and ability to change games quickly have made his number visible in both ODIs and T20Is.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are cricket jersey numbers assigned?
There are no strict rules for how jersey numbers are given in international cricket. Players often select numbers themselves, sometimes influenced by family, superstition, or favorite athletes. In some cases, numbers are simply assigned based on availability when players join teams.
Can two players have the same jersey number for the same team?
Typically, each squad member is given a unique jersey number for the season or tournament to prevent confusion. Sometimes, new players might receive a number that was formerly used by someone else, but usually not until the original player retires or changes teams.
What other famous numbers are there in cricket?
Some of cricket’s most famous jersey numbers include 7 for MS Dhoni, 18 for Virat Kohli, and 10 for Sachin Tendulkar. These numbers become legendary due to the impact and popularity of the players wearing them.
Is there a reason Rohit Sharma wears 45?
Rohit Sharma has shared that he picked 45 after a suggestion from his family, making it a personal choice. Over time, it has become strongly attached to his cricketing identity.
Do teams retire jersey numbers in cricket?
Traditionally, cricket did not retire numbers, but recently, teams have begun to do so for legendary figures. For example, India retired MS Dhoni’s number 7, and discussions have taken place about retiring Rohit Sharma’s number 45 in international matches after he steps down.