Dhoni training with Army's elite Para Brigade

NEW DELHI: India's ODI cricket captain MS Dhoni, conferred an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel, is undergoing a two-week initial training with the elite Para regiment of the force in Agra.

It is expected that the ace cricketer, who had written to the Army authorities to undertake the training, will do five parachute jumps once he finishes his course.

He reported to the Para Brigade, Agra for initial training in Para Jump by Para Training School on August 5.

He is expected to do five jumps after two week training, Defence Ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said. Dhoni had in 2011 donned the uniform of a commando as he was conferred an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment.

He was conferred the honour for outstanding contribution in the field of sports and his commitment to the Army on various occasions.

"It's a real honour as I always wanted to be part of the Indian Army. It's (joining the Indian Army) something that I always wanted to achieve as a kid and now that I have donned the olive greens, my dream has been fulfilled," Dhoni had then said.

Since then, Dhoni has maintained that he would "definitely" want to serve the Army actively once he bids adieu to the game.