Published: Jul 25, 2019, 01:15 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 25, 2019, 01:15 PM (IST)
Former India skipper MS Dhoni has been assigned patrolling and guard duty in Kashmir as part of his two-month training with parachute regiment battalion in the Indian Territorial Army from from July 15 to August 19.
Dhoni joined the battalion on Wednesday.
Speaking to IANS, sources in the know of developments said the plan was in the pipeline for a while. ALSO READ:
“Just like Dhoni has been one of the greatest servants of Indian cricket, his love for the armed forces is also wellknown. This idea that he would go and spend time with his regiment was in the pipeline for a while but it took a backseat due to his cricketing commitments. ALSO READ: World Test Championship: Will BCCI retire MS Dhoni’s jersey No 7?
“This will also help increase awareness among the youth about the armed forces and that is what Dhoni wants,” the source said.
The 38-year-old holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment (106 Para TA battalion). ALSO READ: Whenever MS Dhoni plays, he should play aggressively: Azharuddin
The honour was accorded to him by the Indian Army in 2011. Dhoni was given this honour along with Abhinav Bindra and Deepak Rao.
In 2015, the Ranchi lad became a qualified paratrooper after having completed five parachute training jumps from Indian Army aircrafts in the Agra training camp. ALSO READ: Dhoni asked not to retire while team groom Pant: BCCI official
The mystery surrounding Dhoni’s future stills continues as he decided to take a two-month break and serve his army regiment after a gruelling India Premier League season and the 2019 World Cup.
Since the end of the World Cup where India lost in the semi-finals to New Zealand, talks have been rife about Dhoni’s retirement with selectors also reportedly not keen on assuring the 2007 World T20 and 2011 World Cup winning captain a place in the playing XI.
