India's former skipper MS Dhoni, who was awarded the honorary rank of a lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment, joined the 106 Territorial Army Battalion (Para) as part of the Victor Force stationed in the Kashmir Valley, undertaking the duties of patrolling, guard, and post duty and would be staying with the troops, as approved by the Army Headquarters.

Dhoni is reportedly likely to unfurl the tri-color on the occasion of Independence Day in Leh in the newly-created union territory of Ladakh. "Dhoni is a brand ambassador of the Indian Army. He has engaged in motivating members of his unit and has often been playing football and volleyball with the soldiers. He is also undertaking battle training exercises with the corps. He will remain in the valley till August 15," a senior Army official said.

Dhoni, for this reason, made himself unavailable for the ongoing West Indies tour where India is playing three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches.