Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s admiration for the Indian Army is well known as is his love for cricket. It was evident again to everyone during India’s six-wicket win against South Africa during the ICC Cricket World Cup opening match in Southampton on Wednesday.
It was not just India’s resounding victory that became a major topic of discussion despite impressive performances from Rohit Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal and Jasprit Bumrah. Following Andile Phehlukwayo’s dismissal in the first innings, many fans noticed a special symbol embroidered on Dhoni’s gloves.
After much talk online, it became clear that it was nothing other the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces. The insignia had ‘Balidaan’ written on it, symbolising sacrifice.
Dhoni, conferred with the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment in 2011 by the Indian Army, has donned camouflage army gloves for many years in the past.
But fans were buzzing again and hailed the veteran keeper-batsman for making a special gesture.
#WorldCup2019: MS Dhoni Sports Gloves With Army Insignia..
— pankaj (@pankaj__dhiman) June 6, 2019
Why he is in heart of millions of people. pic.twitter.com/HbCXNJYk2F
If you’d have noticed dhoni’s wicket keeping gloves have the Para logo on it! Legendary levels of swag!
— Arvind (@ARV1NDC) June 5, 2019
MS Dhoni wear Regimental dagger(Blidan Batch) symbol of the Indian army Para special forces on his gloves.
— Ashok Singh Choudhary(Jat) (@ashok_Singh05) June 5, 2019
Love for Indian Defence forces...🙌 pic.twitter.com/ikEtXW76Yi
For the ones who noticed 'Balidan' symbol on Dhoni Wicket Keeping Gloves today, Yes it's the same as in his mobile case. #IndvSA #CWC19 #Dhoni
— Prabhu (@Cricprabhu) June 5, 2019
This insignia represents the Para SF (special forces), Special Operations unit of Indian Army attached to Parachute Regiment. pic.twitter.com/ZCiYfITDi9
Balidan symbol on Dhoni Wicket Keeping Gloves, which represents the Para Special Forces of Indian Army. Mahi wears caps with Balidan Badge too 🙏 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/Izo5Gr5dcI
— Rahul Singh (@Itz_RahulSingh) June 5, 2019
This is why we love u @msdhoni. Thanks to show your love and support for our military PARA SF. Rounded is the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on Dhoni’s gloves. pic.twitter.com/NgoAriDUxH
— Ram (@myself_Anuz) June 5, 2019
Noticed the “Balidan” mark on @msdhoni wicket keeping gloves.This insignia represents the Indian Parachute Regiment which he is a part off.I like how he keeps it so close to his life while most of his counterparts r just poster boys @majorgauravarya #CricketKaCrown #Dhoni @adgpi pic.twitter.com/Kh0yhDtQkL
— Vibhor Mohla (@Vibhormohla) June 5, 2019
Salute & respect to MS Dhoni who printed insignia of 'Balidan' on his wicket keeping gloves.👇
— Mujaid Alam Bakarwal🇮🇳 (@alam_mujaid) June 5, 2019
That's the regimental dagger insignia which represents the Para SF, Special Operations unit of Indian Army attached to Parachute Regiment.🙏🇮🇳#INDvSA #Dhoni @majorgauravarya pic.twitter.com/WHnlClBUXO
This man shows his love for the nation and army.
— Sachin Joraviya (@SachinJoraviya) June 5, 2019
A Regimental Dragger(BALIDAN) of Indian Army Para Special Force on MS Dhoni Gloves. #IndianArmy #Balidan pic.twitter.com/P5haUEyQcy