Never been in favour of honorary ranks, says Gautam Gambhir on MS Dhoni's army rank

Gautam Gambhir’s love for the armed forces is well known to one and all. Time and again, the former India batsman has made it clear on Twitter and interviews. A couple of years ago, he had announced to take responsibility for the education of the CRPF martyrs. Earlier this year, he had also said that India should boycott Pakistan in the World Cup after the Pulwama attack which claimed the lives of more than 40 CRPF personnel.

Thus, it is a no-brainer that the former India opener is a staunch supporter of the armed forces. And he has now said that the forces now do not need ‘any endorsement’. Gambhir’s comment was in relation to his former teammate MS Dhoni getting an honorary rank from the Indian army. Gambhir was replying to a query on the controversy over Dhoni wearing army insignia on his wicketkeeping gloves during the World Cup.

During India’s World Cup-opener, Dhoni had come out with gloves which had the picture of the army insignia. Later the ICC had told Dhoni to change the gloves. Gambhir said that while Dhoni did nothing wrote, it should not have become a piece of news. He also said that he is not a big supporter of individuals getting honorary ranks from the forces.

“See, it’s fine. If he enjoys it and if it comes from within, he is absolutely right in wearing it,” Gambhir told The Indian Express. “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…”

Praise for MS Dhoni

Gautam Gambhir was also also all praise for Dhoni for his decision to serve the Indian army, Dhoni, who holds an honorary rank of a lieutenant colonel with the Indian Territorial Army, recently spent around two weeks in Kashmir while serving with his unit. For the same, Dhoni had also taken a break from international cricket.

“Yes, MS Dhoni has done a fabulous job, going to Kashmir, serving in the Army, hats off to him. But I will not endorse people getting honorary positions in the defence forces,” Gautam Gambhir said.

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