MS Dhoni Begins Training With Parachute Regiment

Dhoni is an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Territorial Army. The Army, however, will not allow Dhoni to be part of any active operation

World Cup-winning former India captain MS Dhoni has fulfilled his promise of training with Indian Army's Parachute Regiment. The 38-year-old joined a battalion, which has its headquarters in Bengaluru. According to ANI, Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) MS Dhoni is proceeding to 106 Territorial Army Battalion (Para) for being with the Battalion from 31 Jul-15 Aug 2019. The unit is in Kashmir as part of Victor Force. He'll be taking duties of patrolling, guard and post duty and will be staying with troops. Dhoni is an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Territorial Army. The Army, however, will not allow Dhoni to be part of any active operation. Amid mounting speculation around his international retirement after India's semi-final exit from the recent World Cup, Dhoni made himself "unavailable" for the tour of West Indies to take a two-month sabbatical to serve his paramilitary regiment which he had committed much earlier. 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 wellknown. 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. In 2015, the Ranchi lad became a qualified paratrooper after having completed five parachute training jumps from Indian Army aircrafts in the Agra training camp. MS Dhoni has not announced his retirement amid widespread speculations. Without divulging much on two-time World Cup winning captain's future plans, India Chief selector MSK Prasad said that "a legend like Dhoni knows when to retire but the future course of Indian cricket will be charted by the selectors."