Dhoni keeps word, begins training with Parachute Regiment

New Delhi, July 25 (IANS) Former Indian skipper M.S. Dhoni has begun his two-month training with Indian Army's Parachute Regiment. On Wednesday, Dhoni joined the battalion, which has its headquarters in Bengaluru.

Speaking to IANS, sources in the know of developments said the plan was in the pipeline for a while. 

"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," the source said.

"Dhoni will be with the Battalion from 31 Jul-15 Aug 19. The unit is in Kashmir Valley as part of Victor Force. As requested by the officer and approved by Army Headquarters; he will be taking on the duties of patrolling, guard and post duty and would be staying with troops," the statement issued by the armed forces said. 

The 38-year-old holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment (106 Para TA battalion).

The honour was accorded to him by the Indian Army in 2011. Dhoni was given this honour along with Abhinav Bindra and Deepak Rao.

In 2015, the Ranchi lad became a qualified paratrooper after having completed five parachute training jumps from Indian Army aircrafts in the Agra training camp.

Earlier, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman had made himself unavailable for the West Indies tour where India will be playing three T20Is, three ODIs and two Test matches beginning August 3.

Ever since the culmination of World Cup in the UK where India reached the semi-finals, speculations have been rife about Dhoni's retirement, but the team management has asked him to hang around as they groom Rishabh Pant with an eye on the 2020 World T20 in Australia.