Cricket jersey numbers are not only numbers on a shirt. They showcase a player’s identity, achievements, and significant moments in their career. The 45 jersey number in cricket has been a legend, mostly because of Rohit Sharma, who has worn it throughout his international career and even in the IPL. Rohit has recently made headlines as the official ambassador of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, underscoring his continued influence on the game.
Rohit has made record centuries, dominated major ICC events such as the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, and won match-winning innings. Chris Gayle, Heinrich Klaasen, Asif Ali, Samiullah Shinwari, and Alasdair Evans, among others, have also used the 45 and have become well-known numbers in limited-overs cricket and T20 leagues across the globe.
The following article discusses the cricketers who wore jersey number 45, their notable performances and accomplishments, and why this number has gained widespread fame in cricket.
What Makes Jersey Number 45 Special in Cricket?
The Jersey no. 45 in cricket has gained legendary status in the game and has become a symbol of power hitting, winning matches, and momentous innings. It is immediately identified by the fans, notably due to Rohit Sharma, whose impressive performances in international cricket and IPL have rendered 45 legendary.
It is with this number that Rohit has achieved record-breaking centuries, led India to the T20 World Cup title and performed well under pressure. It is through his antics that Jersey 45 has earned a good reputation in the world of modern cricket.
Similar to 7 for MS Dhoni or 18 for Virat Kohli , number 45 is no longer just a number. It is now a symbol of prowess, toughness, and the ability to transform games, owing to Rohit Sharma and other global icons, and is thus counted among the most glorified numbers in the history of cricket.
Rohit Sharma – The Face of Jersey 45
Rohit Sharma is by far the most remarkable player to have worn the jersey number 45 in the Indian cricket team’s history. His international career with India has seen Rohit bat at number 45 in almost every game, and in franchise cricket, this has become nearly part of his name.
Rohit adopted the number 45 early in his career because the number he wanted (19) was not available, and he sought his mother’s counsel, who recommended 45, which he has been wearing ever since.
Key Performances and Records
- As a young player, won the T20 World Cup in 2007.
- Took India to the T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is one of the few captains who have won several ICC trophies.
- The highest number of runs in ICC Cricket World Cups, with 700 in total, came in only 19 innings and established a new standard of consistency at the largest tournament.
- The all-time leader in sixes in international cricket, passing 550 maximums and redefining power hitting in all forms.
- Set the ODI record of the highest individual score of 264 and is the only player to have three ODI double centuries, all of which he scored wearing jersey number 45.
- Rohit has hit more than 7,000 runs, 300 sixes, and is among the highest run-scorers of all time in franchise cricket, which combines aggression and strategic planning in the Indian Premier League. He also won five IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians.
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Heinrich Klaasen and Jersey Number 45
Another renowned cricketer associated with the jersey number 45 is Heinrich Klaasen. The South African batter-wicketkeeper gained a reputation for explosive strokeplay, especially in limited-overs cricket. Heinrich Klaasen’s jersey number identified him as one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in South Africa, thanks to a high strike rate, big totals regularly, and being at the forefront of big chases in both international and league games.
Key Performances and Records
- Scored 2,100 plus ODI runs with an average near 44 with four centuries, providing match-winning performances on a regular basis as a middle-order batsman.
- Delivered one of the most devastating ODI performances with 174 off 83 balls against Australia, which entirely changed the momentum in favor of South Africa.
- Played 1,000 T20S with a strike rate of over 140, and is one of the most dependable power hitters in South Africa.
- He was a key player for South Africa at the 2024 T20 World Cup, scoring vital runs in the knockout games and the final.
- He hit 105 not out out of 39 balls on behalf of Sunrisers Hyderabad, the third-quickest century in the history of the Indian Premier League, and the quickest by an SRH player.
Chris Gayle – The Universe Boss
Famously referred to as the Universe Boss, Chris Gayle has also worn jersey number 45 in some of his international and T20 career. Although he later became more closely affiliated with other figures, his initial association with 45 drew the game’s global supporters’ attention. Gayle was also the most devastating and entertaining batter of his time, and he was famous for overcoming bowling attacks in any kind of game.
Key Performances and Records
- First ever to score a double century in the history of the Cricket World Cup, scoring 215 runs in the 2015 World Cup and making a record that remained unbroken for years.
- Huge contribution to the West Indies securing the ICC T20 World Cup in 2012 and 2016, making significant contributions in both seasons.
- Hit more than 10,000 ODI runs and ended his career as one of the most dreaded power hitters in international cricket.
- Records the highest number of sixes in international cricket over a few years, which defines the modern era of power hitting.
- Has the highest number of 6s in IPL history, with a total of 357 sixes, which is a testament to his legendary power hitting during his career at the franchise.
- His IPL 175 not out is the highest score in T20 cricket, and his 100 came in 30 balls, the quickest in IPL history.
Other International Players Who Wore Jersey Number 45
Besides the major players such as Rohit Sharma, Chris Gayle, and Heinrich Klaasen, there are other international cricketing players who have worn jersey number 45 and played key roles in T20s, franchise leagues, and international cricket. These players are not as famous on an international scale, but they have made their presence felt through memorable performances in major matches and tournaments.
Asif Ali (Pakistan)
Asif Ali is reputed to be able to complete games under intense pressure. As a middle- and lower-order player with jersey number 45, he has had a strong presence in the middle and lower order for Pakistan, especially in T20 internationals and franchise cricket. His aggressive approach and ability to score quickly in the death overs have made him useful to both Pakistan and teams in leagues such as the Pakistan Super League.
- He is known to have a high strike rate of 133.87 in T20Is, which helped Pakistan steady itself towards the end of the overs.
- He demonstrated power hitting in franchise cricket by scoring more than 1,193 runs in 80 matches in the Pakistan Super League, which included 90 sixes.
- His ability to reach the limits and perform late in matches made him a dependable finisher in T20Is and home leagues.
Samiullah Shinwari (Afghanistan)
Samiullah Shinwari is one of the most important all-rounders of Afghanistan who plays in jersey number 45. He played as a batter and bowler across formats, particularly T20Is and ODIs. His ability to play significant innings and take wickets made him a valuable asset to his team.
- Crossed 1,000 T20I runs, with useful innings that made Afghanistan remain competitive in close games.
- He took 28 T20I wickets with the ball, with a top score of 5/13, indicating his ability as a useful bowling all-rounder.
- Appeared in 84 ODIs where she has scored more than 1,800 runs and taken 46 wickets, contributing to Afghanistan in an all-round manner.
Alasdair Evans (Scotland)
Alasdair Evans has been a constant presence in Scotland’s bowling attack in T20 cricket, wearing jersey number 45. As a steady seam bowler and someone who can perform well when the pressure is on in an over, Evans has kept Scotland on par in associate tournaments and qualifiers.
- Collected 41 wickets in 35 T20Is with a highest bowling figure of 5/24, indicating his bowling prowess.
- He took 58 wickets in 42 matches in his ODI career, including a best of 5/43, and was influential in the longer limited-overs format too.
- Being a reliable seam bowler, Evans frequently bowled important overs to restrict the runs and to achieve some vital wickets in Scotland.
The Legacy of Jersey Number 45 in Cricket
Jersey 45 is now a part of the cricketing legend as it symbolizes big performances, match-winning innings and some unforgettable records in different formats. From T20 leagues and the IPL to ODIs and World Cups, athletes in 45 have always left a mark on the game.
In India, the 45 is strongly associated with Rohit Sharma, who has led India to win the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy and has also registered record centuries. Players like Chris Gayle have further made the number famous around the world with historic T20 performances, IPL domination and World Cup performances proving that number 45 comes with power hitting and performance on the biggest stage.
Others like Heinrich Klaasen, Asif Ali, Samiullah Shinwari and Alasdair Evans have also played a significant role either through explosive batting, all-round performance or important bowling performances with the 45. Jersey number 45 has become more than a number but a symbol of versatility, impact and cricketing excellence with worldwide recognition.
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