MS Dhoni shows ‘might’ of Indian Army in ICC Cricket World Cup clash vs South Africa

MS Dhoni is considered as the greatest wicketkeeper as well as the greatest captain when it comes to ODIs. Dhoni directs the show and sets the perfect field for the bowlers despite Virat Kohli being the official captain of the Indian cricket team. However, during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 clash against South Africa in Southampton, Dhoni displayed the ‘might’ of the Indian army on his gloves while keeping wickets. In a tweet pointed out by one prominent user, Dhoni displayed the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces. Dhoni had a superb day in the field and he effected a stumping off Yuzvendra Chahal when he got rid of Andile Phehlukwayo for 34.

This was Dhoni’s 121st stumping in ODIs, which is the most in international cricket. In fact, Dhoni is the only keeper to effect over 100 stumpings in ODIs.

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The relationship between Dhoni and the Indian army is deep and it goes back close to a decade. In 2011, Dhoni was conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army. In 2015 and 2017, Dhoni was seen undergoing some training sessions in Kashmir with the Indian army officers.

That’s the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on Dhoni’s gloves: pic.twitter.com/YKoA5Az54o

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) June 5, 2019

Before the start of the India vs Australia game, there was a very special tribute which was led by Dhoni himself and it resulted in the toss getting delayed by three to four minutes. Before the toss, Dhoni handed out army-style caps to each player in the Indian cricket team. The official Twitter handle of the BCCI said the team will be sporting camouflage caps as a mark of tribute to the loss of lives in Pulwama terror attack and the armed forces. This is also to encourage countrymen to donate to the National Defence Fund for taking care of the education of the dependents of the martyrs.

According to the rules of the ICC, a member board must take permission from the main cricket organisation to display special symbols while playing in a bilateral series or in a major tournament. India have won the ICC Cricket World Cup twice, once in England in 1983 and in 2011 at home.

HIGHLIGHTS

• MS Dhoni handed out 'special' caps during the ODI in Ranchi.
• India has won the World Cup twice in 1983 and 2011.
• MS Dhoni was conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army