Kashmir: Dhoni to be on patrol duties from July 31
What's the story
Former Team India skipper and (Honorary) Lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment, MS Dhoni is set to serve in the Kashmir Valley as part of Victor Force, starting from July 31. The development comes days after the veteran wicket keeper-batsman made himself unavailable for India's upcoming tour of West Indies in August. Here's more on this.
Details
Dhoni to undergo training, live like other jawans
After taking a two-month sabbatical from the sport, post India's exit from the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Dhoni had requested to serve troops of his regiment. Now, as approved by the Army, the 38-year-old will be serving patrol and guard duties in Kashmir, where his battalion is currently posted. Sources suggest that Dhoni will undergo training with jawans and live like any other soldier.
History
Notably, he became Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in 2011
Notably, Dhoni was awarded the rank of an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in 2011, alongside Olympics gold-medalist Abhinav Bindra. He further went on to become a qualified para-trooper, after completing five parachute training jumps, in 2015. After receiving the rank, he had said, "Since childhood, I had wanted to join the Army... I used to think that one day I will also be among them."
Retirement
Post WC loss, speculations of Dhoni's retirement were doing rounds
Meanwhile, following India's exit from the recently-concluded ICC Cricket World Cup, after losing to New Zealand in the Semi-final, speculation about Dhoni's retirement from International Cricket were doing the rounds. Clearing doubts, BCCI chairman of selectors MSK Prasad on Sunday clarified that Dhoni would not be retiring from the game yet. However, Rishabh Pant will be seen replacing him in upcoming series against Windies.
Information
Dhoni likely to return for T20 series, IPL in 2020
In what would come as a relief for fans, media sources suggest that the ex-captain may make a comeback for Team India in the T20Is v/s New Zealand and South Africa in February 2020, and is also expected to play the next IPL season.
Ind v/s WI
West Indies vs India: Full schedule
Separately, here is the complete schedule of India v/s Windies series: India will be playing three T20Is against Windies, starting August 3. The second and third T20I will be played on August 4 and 6 respectively. Post that, India will play three ODI matches against WI (August 8-14). The first Test starts on August 22. The second Test is from August 30.