
MS Dhoni was not just an inspirational player or a captain, he also inspired the youth of the nation to join the Indian Army and serve the country.

The 39-year-old holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment (106 Para TA battalion).

Lieutenant General Vinod Bhatia, who is also a former DGMO and Colonel Para Regiment, inducted Dhoni in the Indian Army as a positive brand ambassador, soon after he led India to 2011 World Cup title.

Last year, after World Cup 2019, Dhoni had taken a sabbatical from international cricket during which he served the Indian Army's Parachute Regiment from July 31 to August 15 in the forward locations in Kashmir Valley.

During his brief stint, Dhoni performed the duties of patrolling, guard and stayed with the troops in the camps. He was also trained as a paratrooper and practiced shooting

Earlier last week, his business partner Arun Pandey said, "One thing is for sure, he will be spending more time with the Army."

Dhoni announced his international retirement on August 15, drawing curtains on his 16-year-long illustrious career