Navy commando who trained MS Dhoni among victims of Mumbai boat accident that claimed 14 lives
Navy commando Mahendra Singh, who trained former India captain MS Dhoni, was among the 14 people who died in the recent boat accident in Mumbai. Mahendra (34) was reportedly working as a Marcos Commando and hailed from Junasia village in the Renwal area of Jaipur district in Rajasthan.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, December 18 when an Indian Navy speedboat lost control and rammed into a ferry carrying over 100 people. The ferry was en route to Elephanta Island from the iconic Gateway of India. As per some media reports, the Indian Navy speedboat lost control during engine trials in Mumbai Harbour owing to an engine malfunction.
A report in Times Now quoted Renwal Tehsildar Komal Yadav as saying that Mahendra was a member of the Navy's MARCOS unit, and was involved in various high-profile training operations. Yadav revealed that the late commando also provided firearms training to Indian cricket legend Dhoni.
Details of MS Dhoni's stint with the Indian Army
Former India captain Dhoni had a short stint with the Para Regiment of the Indian Army in Kashmir in 2019. The two-time World Cup-winning captain was deployed in Kashmir as part of Victor Force. Images of him serving in the Indian Army went viral on social media.
Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army unit of the Parachute Regiment. The honorary rank was bestowed upon him by the Indian Army in 2011 for his service to the nation as a cricketer. The 43-year-old completed five parachute training jumps from Indian Army aircraft in the Agra training camp and thus became a qualified paratrooper in 2015.
While spending a day with the Parachute Regiment in Ranchi back in 2013, Dhoni told ‘Aaj Tak’ that he wanted to be a soldier, but destiny had other plans.
“Since childhood I wanted to join the Army. Seeing the soldiers, I thought that one day I’ll be the same,” the Indian cricketer legend had said.
During the 2019 World Cup, the keeper-batter was seen sporting the army’s dagger insignia on his gloves during India’s opening match against South Africa. The ICC, however, disallowed the cricketer from wearing the military logo on his gloves in subsequent matches, stating it was against the tournament rules.
The 2019 World Cup marked Dhoni's last appearance in India colors. He was run out for 50 in the semifinal against New Zealand in Manchester. The former India skipper retired from international cricket in August 2020.