Now that MS Dhoni has bid adieu to the international cricket, he would be spending a lot more time with the Territorial Army, said Dhoni’s friend and business partner Arun Pandey on Sunday. Interestingly, Pandey had thought he would retire after the T20 World Cup, but only Dhoni knew it would be the Independence day when he will choose to retire from international cricket.
“I was aware that he would do it soon but did not know the exact timing. Anyway it was for him to decide. He had started IPL preparations but it was postponed and then the T20 World Cup was postponed, he thought to be mentally free,” Pandey told PTI day after Dhoni’s unexpected announcement on Saturday.
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Dhoni has always had a soft corner for the Army and has dedicated himself to its duty. He holds the prestigious Lieutenant Colonel post in the Territorial Army. His recent indulgence with the Indian Army was after the Semi-Final of Wold Cup 2019 when he trained with the Parachute Regiment for more than a month.
“One thing is for sure, he will be spending more time with the Army. He will also give time to his commercial ventures and other commitments. We will sit down soon and decide the way forward.”
Dhoni, A Youth Icon
Pandey further goes on to talk about how the brand value of a player shrinks after retirement. But for Dhoni, he believes, that might not be the case for he is not only a player but also a youth icon.
“Since the World Cup (in July 2019), we have signed up with 10 new brands and it is a long-term thing. It will keep on increasing as Dhoni is not just about cricket, he is a youth icon.”
“In most cases retirement does have an impact but not when it comes to Dhoni. His achievements are not individual, his achievements are for the team and for the coutnry,” said Pandey.
Ending with a good reveal, Pandey is assured that Thala will play IPL for at least two more seasons.
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“He will play for at least couple of years, if not more. He will be more mentally free now that he is retired. The T20 World Cup postponement was definitely a factor in his retirement.”
