India’s opening game in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 saw former skipper MS Dhoni once again profess his love for the Indian Army after he was spotted with regimental dagger insignia of the Para Special Forces on his wicket-keeping gloves.
During the course of India’s six-wicket win over South Africa at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday, Dhoni displayed the best of his game while stumping Andile Phehlukwayo and scoring 34 runs. The “Balidaan Badge” or the Indian Army insignia was spotted on his gloves as TV footages showed him stumping Phehlukwayo in the 40th over of the innings bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal.
The pictures of Dhoni’s gloves went viral on micro-blogging site Twitter within no time and fans poured in love and respect for the 37-year-old cricketer.
That’s the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on Dhoni’s gloves: pic.twitter.com/YKoA5Az54o
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) June 5, 2019
This man shows his love for the nation and army.
A Regimental Dragger(BALIDAN) of Indian Army Para Special Force on MS Dhoni Gloves. #IndianArmy #Balidan pic.twitter.com/P5haUEyQcy— Sachin Joraviya (@SachinJoraviya) June 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/jagdishjd07/status/1136480779414908928
MS Dhoni show love and respect for Indian Army during #INDvsSA match. pic.twitter.com/Vp80oOA3L7
— Mohammed Ajmal (@imMajmal) June 5, 2019
“Balidaan” is a distinct insignia of the special forces, which form part of the Parachute Regiment. It has a commando dagger pointed downwards, with upward-extending wings extending from the blade and a scroll superimposed on the blade with “Balidaan” inscribed in Devanagari. Only Paramilitary Commandos are allowed to wear the Balidaan Badge.