Reports: MS Dhoni to unfurl national flag in Leh on Independence Day

Former India skipper MS Dhoni is making the most of his stay in Kashmir right now. The legendary cricketer took a two-month break from international cricket to serve the Indian Army. Dhoni, who is an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army, joined Army troops in the militancy-infested south Kashmir region last week to carry out patrolling, guard duties and similar responsibilities just like other soldiers.

The pictures that have been doing the rounds on social media pretty much proves that Dhoni is having a good time with the Kashmir. He was recently spotted playing volleyball with the other soldiers in Kashmir. Soon a photo of him went viral where he was seen polishing his shoes.

Dhoni also had an unpleasant experience when he visited Baramulla district of Kashmir. While there was a huge crowd to catch a glimpse of him, a few of them started shouting slogans of Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi.

Dhoni to hoist tri-color?

As if serving the army was not enough, MS Dhoni is all set to make his countrymen even more proud by unfurling the tri-colour on the occasion of Independence Day in Leh in the newly-created union territory of Ladakh. With the abrogation of article 370, Ladakh has been separated from Jammy and Kashmir and made a union territory.

Dhoni is at present stationed in Khrew in the Pulwama district of Jammu & Kashmir. Defence sources said on Thursday that Dhoni is scheduled to travel along with his regiment to Leh on August 10.

“Dhoni is a brand ambassador of the Indian Army. He has engaged in motivating members of his unit and has often been playing football and volleyball with the soldiers. He is also undertaking battle training exercises with the corps. He will remain in the valley till August 15,” a senior army official was quoted as saying by India TV.

The officials, however, did not reveal many details of the location where Dhoni is likely to hoist the national flag on August 15. Dhoni, meanwhile, is likely to return to action in international cricket next month when South Africa visit India. South Africa will play three T20Is and three Tests against the hosts.

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