Dhoni? Joining the Indian Army? In Kashmir? What even?!
When I tell you that I thought India Today’s YouTube video, headlined, “Lt Col M.S Dhoni Deployed In Kashmir Valley As Part Of Victor Force” was a joke of some sort, I sure as hell wasn’t expecting to see Dhoni – yeah, the cricketer – suited up, ready to be deployed in Kashmir.
Yet, somehow, it’s true.
Call me a fool, but I wasn’t even aware that Dhoni had been given an honorary title. Yet, a quick Google search (okay, yes – Wikipedia) led me to the following: “The Indian Territorial Army conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Dhoni on 1 November 2011. He is the second Indian cricketer after Kapil Dev to receive this honor.”
I also happened to be scrolling on Twitter, and I saw that this had been tweeted out:
The Indian Army has confirmed MS Dhoni is using his break from cricket to join his battalion in the Kashmir Valley #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/OU4Olq4c7y
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) July 25, 2019
This is when I realized that this isn’t just exaggerated clickbait, it’s real. Unless they’re REALLY good and got ESPN involved too, which seems a tad bit much.
Colonel Aman Anand, a spokesperson of the Indian Army, confirmed that Dhoni will serve in the Kashmir Valley from July 31 – August 15, performing his duties alongside the troops.
I’m obviously not the only person taken aback by this. Given how things have been between India and Pakistan, and the fact that Dhoni has fans here as well (because let’s face it, he’s a great sportsman) this change of hats hasn’t exactly settled in well with people.
Dhoni is in peak problematic-aging-rockstar mode now. https://t.co/dAoOVcW3Y6
— Ahmer Naqvi (@karachikhatmal) July 25, 2019
I never thought Dhoni would ever become a heartbreak, but here we are. https://t.co/WGlNkimQcM
— Kane Williamson Stan Account (@Bluemagicboxes) July 25, 2019
Consequently, awaam touchy hogayi
Away from the people of Kashmir🙏@msdhoni pic.twitter.com/0x0mWm6Iql
— 🇵🇰 Khan 🇵🇰 (@Pasandkhan8) July 25, 2019
And, obviously, the tea jokes have begun to…pour in.
Send him near Pakistan border for fantastic Pakistani tea! Shurrrup!!! 😂
— Gulo (@gulo_2) July 25, 2019
He can always go across line of control for a fantastic cup of tea ☕️
— Moheen Basharat (@moheenb) July 25, 2019
Seriously, people can’t stop themselves
Hope he doesn’t end up drinking Pakistani tea
— mani darr (@mani_darr) July 25, 2019
Please do pop over the border for fantastic cup of tea and some kebabs! I assume you eat meat? We can all celebrate your frantic performance against England..good for army moral!
— Muhammed Diaz (@MuhammedRiaz54) July 25, 2019
Stuff probably got messier in the replies, but I’ll cap this off here. I’m still a little surprised, but that’s on me for being ill-informed. Anyway, what’s your take on this? Let me know in the comments.
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Cover image via thehindu.com