Indian cricketer MS Dhoni is to start his patrol duties in Jammu and Kashmir from July 31 as an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army.
After the ICC World Cup it was speculated the wicketkeeper-batsman may retire from cricket. During his 15-day short stint in the territorial army India will be on West Indies tour.
A statement from the Indian Army earlier said Dhoni will be staying with the troops and to take on patroling, guard and post duty.
According to an army official, the former Indian captain has been trained as a paratrooper and he jumped from an aircraft. His 15-day short stint in the army is part of his training.
Indian army usually makes use of such high brand value sports figures to raise the profile and attract youths for pool of recruits.
Earlier this year, under the 39-year-old’s behest the team India wore army camouflage-style caps to show solidarity with paramilitary police who were killed in a terror attack in Pulwama district of Kashmir.
In 2007 under the captaincy of Dhoni India won World Twenty20 title. In 2011 the team grabbed World Cup title in 50 overs format at home.
Dhoni is considered as the best finisher in Indian cricket.
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