Former Indian skipper M.S. Dhoni is only just back from London after India’s semi-final exit from the 2019 World Cup and he’s already set to take up his next big assignment, with the Indian Army.
Dhoni is a honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment (106 Para TA battalion) and will join the battalion from 31 July to 15 Aug 2019. The unit is reportedly based in the Kashmir Valley as part of Victor Force.
As requested by the officer and approved by Army Headquarters, MS Dhoni will be taking the duties of patrolling, guard and post duty and shall be staying with troops.
Speaking to IANS, sources in the know of developments said the plan was in the pipeline for a while.
"Just like Dhoni has been one of the greatest servants of Indian cricket, his love for the armed forces is also well known. 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.
"This will also help increase awareness among the youth about the armed forces and that is what Dhoni wants," the source said.
The honorary rank was accorded to Dhoni by the Indian Army in 2011. He was given this honour along with Abhinav Bindra and Deepak Rao.
In 2015, the former Indian skipper became a qualified paratrooper after having completed five parachute training jumps from Indian Army aircrafts in the Agra training camp.
Earlier, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman had made himself unavailable for the West Indies tour where India will be playing three T20Is, three ODIs and two Test matches beginning August 3.
Ever since the culmination of World Cup in the UK where India reached the semi-finals, speculations have been rife about Dhoni's retirement, but the team management has asked him to hang around as they groom Rishabh Pant with an eye on the 2020 World T20 in Australia.
(With inputs from IANS)
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