Former Indian cricket team captain MS Dhoni is planning toopen a cricket academy in Jammu & Kashmir to help the budding cricketers inthe state. The youngsters will be able to train for free in the academy andDhoni is planning to talk to the Sports Ministry about his plans, as perreports. He is currently posted in South Kashmir with the 106 TA Battalion (Para)of the Indian Army.Dhoni, who holds an honorary Lieutenant Colonel rank in theIndian Army is currently posted in South Kashmir with his regiment. He hadtaken a two-month break from cricket post India's World Cup exit to serve inthe army. His request was approved by the BCCI post which Dhoni joined hisbattalion in the valley on July 31st. He will be staying with the troops tillAugust 15th.As per a report, Dhoni will formally tell the Sports Ministry abouthis plans to open an academy in Kashmir in the near future.
Currently, there is unrest in the valley following therevocation of Article 370 and security has been beefed up throughout the state.
Dhoni performed patrolling and guard duties with the troopsduring his stay in the valley. He left for Leh on Saturday where he is expectedto hoist the Tricolour on the Independence Day. However, the details of thevenue where Dhoni will be unfurling the Indian flag is still not known. Dhoniwas a key member of the Indian squad in the World Cup where the Men in Bluesuffered a heartbreaking exit from the showpiece event after an 18-run lossagainst New Zealand in the first semi-final. Dhoni, however, was under thescanner throughout the tournament for his slow run-rate and inability to up theante in pressure situations.
Dhoni finished the tournament with 273 runs from eight gamesat an average of over 45 and a strike rate of 87.78. There were speculationsthat India's final game at the World Cup will be his last but the 37-year-oldis yet to make a statement regarding his international future.
Dhoni, who is India's most successful captain, might stayaround till the World T20 next year as he is expected to mentor young RishabhPant, who is currently India's first-choice wicket-keeper on their ongoing tourof West Indies.