Gautam Gambhir, MS Dhoni
Gautam Gambhir (Image Credit: Google)

Former Indian captain and present limited-overs wicketkeeper-batsman, MS Dhoni is ready to serve in the Indian army soon. His former teammate Gautam Gambhir has recently given his view on this matter.

After completion of the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup journey, MS Dhoni has taken a two-month leave from cricket to serve his paramilitary regiment. The former Indian captain has gotten permission to join the army.

Gautam Gambhir, MS Dhoni
Image Credit: Twitter

Dhoni will serve in Victor Force, a Rashtriya Rifles (RR) unit that deployed in Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Budgam. Lieutenant Colonel (Honorary) MS Dhoni will work with the 106 Territorial Army Battalion (Para) from 31st July to 15th August 2019. His duties will be patrolling, guard etc., just like the other soldiers. He will stay with the troops.

Dhoni’s decision to join the army is a fantastic move – Gautam Gambhir

Former Indian opening batsman Gautam Gambhir has appreciated this move as he feels that it is an excellent move by the former Indian captain. Gambhir claimed that Dhoni had proved his dedication by deciding to serve the army.

Gautam Gambhir, MS Dhoni
Gautam Gambhir (Image Credit: AP)

The former Indian opener told ABP, “Dhoni’s decision to join the army is a fantastic move. I have said many times that Dhoni needs to do spend time with the Indian Army if he really wishes to wear the uniform and now by deciding to really serve the army he has proved his dedication.”

Gautam Gambhir further added that this move would motivate the Indian youngsters to serve in the Indian Army.

He claimed, “This move from Dhoni will motivate thousands of youngsters to join the Indian Army.”

Due to this reason, Dhoni will be unavailable for India’s upcoming international tour in West Indies and the USA. During this forthcoming tour, India will play three-match T20I series, three-match ODI series and two-match Test series against Windies.

The national selectors have recently announced the Indian squads for all formats of this upcoming tour. In the absence of MS Dhoni, youngster Rishabh Pant will keep wicket in the limited-overs series. Meanwhile, Wriddhiman Saha and Rishabh Pant both are in the Test squads as the wicketkeeper-batsman.

In the recently concluded 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, MS Dhoni played a vital role in India’s middle-order batting. The right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman scored 273 runs in eight innings with an average of 45.50. He hit two half-centuries in that tournament.

Virat Kohli-led India dominated in that tournament but ended their journey in the semi-final.