India’s opening game in the ongoing World Cup saw former skipper, MS Dhoni, once again proclaiming his love for the Army after he was spotted with the regimental dagger insignia of the Indian Para Special Forces on his wicket-keeping gloves.
Balidaan is a special insignia of the Special Forces which is part of the Parachute Regiment that has a commando dagger pointed downwards, with upward extending wings starts from the blade and a scroll superimposed on the blade. It has ‘Balidaan’ inscribed in Devanagari and only the Paramilitary Commandos are allowed to wear this particular badge.
This was spotted on Dhoni’s gloves as television replays showed him stumping Phehlukwayo in the 40th over of the innings bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal.
Claire Furlong, the ICC General Manager, Strategic Communications spoke to IANS and said that the BCCI has been asked to get the symbol removed from Dhoni’s gloves.
“We have asked the BCCI to get it removed”, she said.
Dhoni was awarded an honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Parachute Regiment in 2011 and also had undergone training under the Para Brigade in 2015.
