While the Indian cricket team gets set for the upcoming West Indies tour, MS Dhoni has received a nod from the chief of the Indian army to train with the parachute unit of the Territorial Army.
Ahead of the announcement of the Indian squad for the upcoming series, speculations were rife about Dhoni’s retirement in the wake of India’s shock defeat in the ICC World Cup 2019. However, the two-time World Cup-winning former Indian captain decided to make himself unavailable for the selection, making it clear he won’t retire immediately.
38-year-old Dhoni – an honorary Lieutenant Colonel with the Territorial Army – has instead chosen to train with the parachute regiment in Kashmir. He received approval from General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of the Army Staff, on Monday, NDTV reported.
The Indian army reportedly said Dhoni would live with the soldiers like any other army man. However, it was clarified that he would not be allowed to take part in any active operations.
MS Dhoni became an honorary Lt Colonel in 2011 and then went on to complete his training to become a qualified para-trooper, completing five parachute training jumps in 2015.
In the 2019 World Cup, there was a controversy after the ICC asked him to remove a military logo from his wicket keeping gloves.
In Dhoni’s absence, selectors say they want to give young Rishabh Pant as much chance as possible.
“He [Dhoni] is unavailable for this series. He has expressed his unavailability. Having said that, we had certain road maps till the World Cup. Subsequently, post the World Cup, we have laid down few more plans. We thought of giving as many opportunities to Rishabh Pant to see he is groomed. That’s our plan right now,” MSK Prasad told the press in Mumbai.
