Lieutenant Colonel MS Dhoni's 'mission' at border outposts

After donning the olive greens of the Army last year, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is planning to undertake a tour of forward areas to motivate the soldiers deployed in the far-flung areas of the country.

Lt Colonel (honorary) Dhoni is planning a forward area tour to motivate the soldiers deployed there and also to get a hang of lifestyle in the Army, former cricket star Kapil Dev said at the Indian Military Academy here.

Kapil and Dhoni are the two cricket stars who have been granted honorary commission by the Army for their achievements for the country.

Kapil Dev was granted the honorary commission in 2009 whereas Dhoni was conferred with the rank last year on November 1.

Sachin Tendulkar is the only Indian cricket star to have been conferred with the rank of a Group Captain (equivalent to Colonel) by the IAF. He was also offered by the IAF to take a sortie in country's frontline combat aircraft Su-30MKI.

Kapil had visited the IMA on March 13 and 14 to meet the Gentlemen Cadet in the cradle of Army officers in the country. He is also scheduled to visit the National Defence Academy in Pune to interact with the young cadets there on April 3 and 4, Army officials said here.