What is Dhoni’s role in the Indian Army?

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, will be joining the 106 Territorial Army Battalion (Para) as part of the Victor Force stationed in the Kashmir Valley, from July 31 – August 15, 2019. He will be undertaking the duties of patrolling, guard, and post duty and would be staying with the troops, as approved by the Army Headquarters.

“Just like Dhoni has been one of the greatest servants of Indian cricket, his love for the armed forces is also well known. This idea that he would go and spend time with his regiment was in the pipeline for a while but it took a backseat due to his cricketing commitments. This will also help increase awareness among the youth about the armed forces and that is what Dhoni wants,” a report read.

Dhoni, for this reason, has made himself unavailable for the upcoming West Indies tour where India will be playing three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches, starting on August 3. The honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel was awarded to him by the Indian Army along with Abhinav Bindra and Deepak Rao in 2011.