Thaindian News

Srinagar, June 3 (IANS) On his maiden visit to the Kashmir Valley, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sunday visited the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district where he interacted with soldiers and local youth. He also expressed his desire to serve the force after his playing days are over.

Dhoni is an honorary lieutenant colonel in the Territorial Army.

After his arrival at Srinagar airport, he flew in a military helicopter to the forward border outpost of Kaman in the border town of Uri where he interacted with the troops deployed and also posed for a photo opportunity with the soldiers.

On arrival in Baramulla town, he interacted with the troops of the Baramulla garrison at the Thimayya Hall and thanked the army for keeping the country secure.

Dhoni also expressed his desire to serve the Indian Army after his cricketing career is over.

In Baramulla, Dhoni met the youth of the valley who had participated in the Kashmir Premier League. He also interacted with media persons.

“Not only cricket, but all sports can usher in peace in the Valley. There is a lot of cricketing talent in the Valley. The local cricket players need to come forward and hone their talent,” Dhoni told reporters in Baramulla.

He said Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir had enough potential to shoulder the captain’s responsibilities.

Dhoni wished Sachin Tendulkar success in his new role as a parliamentarian.

Dhoni will move back to Srinagar Monday where he will interact with officers of the Chinar corps, troops of the territorial army and patients at the army’s base hospital.

He will return to Delhi Monday afternoon, a defence spokesperson said.