After the Indian cricket team’s exit from the World Cup 2019 in the semi’s against New Zealand, former Indian skipper MS Dhoni’s retirement has been the hot topic. Many speculated whether the World Cup-winning former India captain would call it quits from international cricket.
But thankfully, the wicket-keeper batsman has another plan for now. However, MS Dhoni (38) is not travelling with the India squad to the West Indies.
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Brushing the rumours of his retirement under the carpet, MS Dhoni has decided to take a sabbatical from the game and serve his paramilitary regiment.
“MS Dhoni is not retiring from cricket right now. He is taking a two-month sabbatical to serve his paramilitary regiment which he had committed much earlier. We have now intimidated his decision to skipper Virat Kohli and chairman of selectors MSK Prasad,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying.
Soon after his decision, Dhoni’s request to train with the Indian Army has been approved by Indian Army General Bipin Rawat, sources revealed.
Top Army Sources: MS Dhoni’s request to train with the Indian Army has been approved by General Bipin Rawat. He would train with the Parachute Regiment battalion. Some part of the training is also expected to take place in J&K. Army won't allow Dhoni to be part of any active Op. pic.twitter.com/jMCHExc9JS
— ANI (@ANI) July 21, 2019
Dhoni led the men in blue to their second ICC World Cup triumph in 2011 and was hence given the honorary rank of a Lieutenant Colonel.
Reportedly, by virtue of his honorary rank, Dhoni is part of the Territorial Army’s 106 Infantry Battalion which is one of the two battalions the Indian Army utilizes in terms of parachute forces.
Dhoni’s ouster from the gentleman’s game is news every Indian cricket team fan dreads to hear about. But whether the legendary cricketer will return to the ground or not, remains unclear.