Published: Jul 29, 2019, 11:06 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 29, 2019, 11:06 AM (IST)
West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell has taken to social media to show his admiration and respect for former India captain MS Dhoni, who over the course of the next two months will spend time with the Indian army
Instead of being picked for India’s upcoming tour of the West Indies, Dhoni joined the Indian army’s Parachute Regiment last week at its headquarters in Bangalore for a two-month training course.
Cottrell, himself a soldier in the Jamaican Defence Force, tweeted on Sunday: “This man is an inspiration on the cricket field. But he is also a patriot and a man that gives to his country beyond duty. I have been at home in Jamaica with my boys these past weeks and had time to reflect.”
This man is an inspiration on the cricket field. But he is also a patriot and a man that gives to his country beyond duty. I have been at home in Jamaica with my boys these past weeks and had time to reflect (1/2)
— Sheldon Cotterell (@SaluteCotterell) July 28, 2019
In a second tweet, Cottrell posted a short video of Dhoni receiving the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, from President Ram Nath Kovind in 2018 with the words: “I shared this video with friends and family because they know how I feel about honour but the moment between wife and husband truly shows an inspirational kind of love for country and partner. Please enjoy as I did.”
I shared this video with friends and family because they know how I feel about honour but the moment between wife and husband truly shows an inspirational kind of love for country and partner. Please enjoy as I did. pic.twitter.com/Pre28KWAFD
— Sheldon Cotterell (@SaluteCotterell) July 28, 2019
Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment (106 Para TA battalion), which was accorded to him by the Indian army in 2011. The 38-year-old will carry out patrolling, guard and post duties while he serves with his battalion in Kashmir. In a statement last week, the Indian army said: “Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) MS Dhoni is proceeding to 106 TA Battalion (Para) for being with the Battalion from 31 Jul-15 Aug 19.”
The announcement was welcomed by the likes of Gautam Gambhir and Kapil Dev.
