Dubai: Usually seen fighting hard On the cricket field, India’s former skipper, MS Dhoni will soon be seen guarding the Kashmir Valley as part of his duties.
The 38-year-old, who is currently taking a break from cricket, holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment (106 Para TA battalion).
The World Cup-winning cricketer has begun his two-month training with the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment.
He will be with the unit, and he is currently stationed in the Kashmir Valley as part of Victor Force, from July 31 to August 15. He reportedly requested so, and it was approved by Army Headquarters, according to a report by India-based New Delhi Television Limited (NDTV).
Dhoni has opted to take on patrolling, guard and post duties, according to a report by news magazine India Today.
He was given the honourary title in 2011 by the Indian Army. At the same time, Abhinav Bindra, Indian businessman and retired professional shooter, and Deepak Rao, Indian military trainer, scientist, author, and physician, also got accorded with the status.
Dhoni, who has already retired from Test cricket, has opted out of the West Indies tour wherein India will play three Twenty20 Internationals, three One Day Internationals and two tests.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chairman of selectors M.S.K. Prasad confirmed in a press conference, on July 21 that Dhoni is not retiring completely from cricket yet. However, currently, cricketer Rishabh Pant has been included as the first choice wicket keeper for the squads named for the various series in the West Indies.
