MS Dhoni to serve in Kashmir valley confirms Indian Army
India’s World Cup winning skipper MS Dhoni will soon embark on duties like patrolling, guard and post duty while he serves with his battalion in Kashmir, the Army said on Thursday.
In a statement, 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 declaration stated that the unit will be posted in the Kashmir vally as part of Victor Force.
“As requested by the officer and approved by Army Headquarters; he will be taking on the duties of patrolling, guard and post duty and would be staying with troops,” the statement said.
MS Dhoni kept himself out of India’s forthcoming West Indies tour because of his commitments with the Territorial Army, Dhoni will be among the handful Indian cricketers to see active duty with the armed forces even with many cricketers receiving honorary ranks.
MS Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment (106 Para TA battalion). He was awarded this honorary by the Army in 2011. Dhoni was given this honour along with Abhinav Bindra and Deepak Rao, a leading expert in close combat warfare.
MS Dhoni became a qualified paratrooper in 2015, after completing five parachute training jumps in the Agra training camp.
MSD has been seen in his Army greens on multiple occasions. In the recent ICC World Cup, there was a controversy over a emblem he sported on his wicketkeeping gloves, to which the ICC objected and the matter was later resolved.
“Since childhood, I had wanted to join the Army. I used to visit the cantonment area and seeing the soldiers I used to think that one day I will also be among them,” Dhoni said, When he was given the honorary rank in 2011.
