Lt Col MS Dhoni starts two-week Army stint in Kashmir
What's the story
Former Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has started his two-week stint in the Indian Army. Dhoni, an honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army, joined the Indian Army's 106 Territorial Army Battalion in the militancy-infested South Kashmir region on Wednesday. Pictures of Dhoni donning the military uniform went viral on social media. The 38-year-old wicket-keeper is currently on sabbatical from cricket.
Details
Dhoni to undertake patrolling, guard duties
As part of 106 TA Battalion, Dhoni will undertake several duties with the troops, including patrolling, guard duties and similar responsibilities just like other soldiers. The unit is deployed as part of Victor Force in South Kashmir region. Dhoni will be staying with the Batallion till August 15. The cricketer's military stint was approved by Army headquarters last week upon his request.
Training
Dhoni carried out his basic training, says Army chief
Notably, Dhoni was accorded the honorary Lieutenant Colonel rank in 2011. Additionally, he's also a qualified paratrooper following the completion of five parachute training jumps. Speaking about how every civilian who dons the military uniform undergoes training beforehand, Army chief Bipin Rawat told NDTV, "MS Dhoni has carried out his basic training and we know that he will be able to accomplish the task."
Cricket
Dhoni took two-month sabbatical from cricket to serve unit
To recall, on July 20, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Dhoni had taken a two-month sabbatical from cricket to serve his unit. Due to this, he was not considered for selection for India's West Indies tour. There were also speculations that the former Indian skipper would soon announce his international retirement following India's semi-final exit 2019 World Cup.