Most significant in sports are jersey numbers as they comprise an inseparable part of an athlete's identity. Take Sachin Tendulkar, for instance, his number 10, and MS Dhoni; he has number 7 because of the day when he was born, and that has become a synonym with him. Equally are the birth numbers as in the case of Yuvraj Singh's 12 and Harbhajan Singh's 3. Young Sarfaraz Khan decides to sport 97, which in Hindi fits into the wordplay 'Nau Saat' to sound of names, here being that of his father Naushad. They aren't just limited to cricket; even numbers enter other sports; footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is better recognized worldwide as CR7, referring to his number 7 jersey.

No matter the reason-whether on account of belief, numerology, or even astrology-jersey numbers tend to possess that something special for every sportsperson. The dazzling Indian star opener; Rohit Sharma doesn't lag behind either, for he puts on 45 in international cricket, and the fascinating story behind his choice could be another revelation.

How Rohit Sharma Chose Number 45

Rohit’s jersey number was initially suggested by an astrologer who believed that 9 would bring him good fortune. However, Rohit preferred not to wear a single-digit number. This is when his mother stepped in and made the final choice. During the 2006 Under-19 World Cup, players were asked to pick their jersey numbers before the semi-final. Rohit initially wanted number 19, but it was already taken. Seeking guidance, he called his mother, who picked 45 for him.

Interestingly, the sum of 4 and 5 equals 9, aligning with the astrologer’s recommendation. Accepting this as a lucky sign, Rohit adopted 45 as his official jersey number, and he has worn it ever since. Today, his social media handle (@ImRO45) also reflects this number, reinforcing its importance in his cricketing journey.

A Temporary Switch to Number 9

During the fourth ODI against New Zealand in Ranchi, Rohit was seen wearing jersey number 9, with his name concealed. Though the exact reason remains unknown, it is speculated that he might have done so to change his luck, as he had been struggling to score big runs in the series.

From his early days in cricket to becoming one of India’s most dependable batsmen, Rohit Sharma’s journey with jersey number 45 has remained a constant. The number, chosen by his mother and backed by astrological advice, continues to be an integral part of his identity in international cricket.