MS Dhoni joins Army troops in militancy-infested south Kashmir on 2-week stint

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, an horary lieutenant colonel in Territorial Army, joined Army troops in militancy-infested south Kashmir region on Wednesday to carry out patrolling, guard duties and similar responsibilities just like or soldiers.

former Indian cricket team captain will be staying with his 106 TA Battalion (Para) till August 15 and under take duties with troops, Army officials said.

"Lt Col Dhoni arrived here today and has joined his unit," one of officials said.

unit is deployed in militancy-infested south Kashmir region as part of Victor Force.

38-year-old World Cup winning captain's two-week stint with his unit was approved by Army hequarters last week on Dhoni's request.

Dhoni was accorded horary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2011. He is also a qualified paratrooper after having completed five parachute training jumps.

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wicket-keeper-batsman has been conferred Pma Bhushan, country's third highest civilian award, by President Ramnath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Amid mounting speculation around his international retirement after India's semi-final exit from 2019 World Cup, Dhoni h told Board of Control for Cricket in India he will take a two-month sabbatical from game to serve his parachute regiment.

Dhoni h me himself "unavailable" for India's tour of West Indies but ruled out immediate retirement a day before selectors met in Mumbai to pick squs for West Indies tour, starting on August 3.

Territorial Army is a part of Army. Its role is to relieve regular Army from static duties and assist civil ministration in dealing with natural calamities and maintenance of essential services. 

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MS Dhoni's passion for Army

MS Dhoni formally joined para regiment on July 31 and will be a part of 106 Territorial Army Battalion (Para) till August 15. MS Dhoni h earlier anunced that he would be unavailable for upcoming Windies trip and would serve Indian Army. Confirming his request, Indian Army Hequarters on Thursday said that he will be stationed with Victor Force in Kashmir Valley and will be taking up patrolling, guard and post duty. y furr informed that MS Dhoni who holds a Lieutenant Colonel (Horary) shall be staying with troops.

Mahi is a part of Indian territorial army's 106th Battalion (para). World Cup 2011 winning skipper is a part of TA's 106th Infantry Battalion and was awarded horary rank of  Lieutenant Colonel in 2011.   veteran wicket-keeper batsman h also trained with para regiment after he was given horary rank in 2011 in Agra and has completed five parachute jumps.

(With PTI inputs)