Lt Colonel MS Dhoni starts Army duty with troops in Kashmir, signs bat for fans in uniform

1.'Don’t think we need to protect MS Dhoni'

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Dhoni is proceeding to 106 Territorial Army Battalion (Para) and is staying as part of Victor Force in the Kashmir Valley from July 31 to August 15. The former captain had earlier got approval from Army chief General Bipin Rawat to train with the Parachute regiment for two months. 

The Army Chief, however, was quoted by NDTV as saying, “When a citizen of India wants to don the military uniform then he has to also be prepared to fulfil the task for which the uniform has been assigned to him. MS Dhoni has carried out his basic training and we know that he will be able to accomplish the task.”

“In fact, he will be protecting a lot of other people because he will now be performing with the 106 Territorial Army battalion (Para). It is a very good battalion and they have been performing a line of communication duties, static protection and he will be a part of it,” he said.

“I don’t think we will need to protect him, he will protect the citizens and garrison entrusted to his task,” the Army Chief said. He added that Dhoni will be taking on responsibilities of patrolling, guard and post duty and live like any other soldiers.

2.Dhoni's decision to serve the nation

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With speculations doing the roundabout what Dhoni will do post the World Cup, the former captain scotching all rumours saying he does not plan to retire.

He rather has taken time out of cricket, to serve the nation in a testing place like Jammu and Kashmir. 

Dhoni, awarded the honorary rank of a Lieutenant Colonel in 2011, belongs to the Territorial Army’s 106 Infantry Battalion. It is one of the two battalions that the Army has for the parachute regiment. 

Dhoni had trained with the elite Para regiment of the force in Agra in 2015. He also completed parachute jumps after the course 4 years back.

3.Gautam Gambhir pays respect to MS Dhoni’s decision

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Gautam Gambhir hailed Dhoni’s decision to serve the Indian Army for the next few months. The former Indian opener termed the 38-year-old's stint as a ‘fantastic’ move.

“Dhoni’s decision to join the army is a fantastic move. I have said many a time that Dhoni needs to do spend time with the Indian Army if he really wishes to wear the uniform and now by deciding to really serve the army he has proved his dedication,” Gambhir said. 

“This move from Dhoni will motivate thousands of youngsters to join the Indian Army,” he added.