I Do Not Endorse People Getting Honorary Ranks In Defence Forces - Gautam Gambhir

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir likes to speak his mind across issues like cricket or politics. He has been a staunch supporter of the armed forces and has stood beside them on every occasion. After hitting out at MS Dhoni over his international retirement, Gambhir has now targetted his honorary rank in the Army, saying that he doesn’t endorse people getting honorary ranks in defence forces.

Notably, the former India skipper holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment (106 Para TA battalion. He received the award in 2011. MS Dhoni has also worked with the Army most recently in August.

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Dhoni was with the 106 Territorial Army battalion (Para) from July 31 to August 15. He did the duties of patrolling, guard and also stayed with the troops during his break from international cricket after the World Cup.

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Gautam Gambhir, who slammed the decision to offer honorary ranks in defence force was in relation to MS Dhoni. He was replying to a question on the controversy over MS Dhoni wearing army insignia on his wicketkeeping gloves during the World Cup.

The former cricketer in an interview with Indian Express said that while Dhoni did nothing wrong, it should not have made the headlines. Gambhir also revealed that he is not a fan of offering honorary ranks in the Army as people have sacrificed their lives to achieve the uniform.

“See, it’s fine. If he enjoys it and if it comes from within, he is absolutely right in wearing it,” Gambhir said. “But it should not be made into news. Honestly, I think, the Army doesn’t need any endorsement. The Army doesn’t need any marketing. I have never been in favour of honorary ranks (in defence forces) as well. I have been very vocal about it. People have given their sweat and blood to achieve that uniform. There is honorary everything, at least leave the defence services out of it,” he added.

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Recently, Gautam Gambhir has slammed the selector and the skipper urging them to look beyond MS Dhoni. Gambhir also said that he doesn’t see the legendary cricketer playing the next World Cup and thus should step down and help the management groom youngsters.

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