Dhoni enjoys cricket match at ‘highest pitch’

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

LEH, June 5: Indian cricket team captain, Lt Col (Hony) Mohinder Singh Dhoni today enjoyed a friendly cricket match between army soldiers and a team of local youth at world’s highest cricket pitch here today.
Talking to media-persons Mr Dhoni said, “ It is an amazing experience specially after coming from Kashmir valley. It is the contrast between the greenery and the barren land but the Ladakh is really special in itself.’’
He expressed that he always wanted to join Army. “After winning the world cup it has become the responsibility to come over here. In this harsh land it is not just fighting the enemy but also fighting the hostile weather conditions where temperature dips down –20 degrees. Army is doing well in all the fields and promoting sports in this high-altitude area is wonderful job, ” he maintained.
The brand ambassador of the Indian Army, Mr Dhoni at the last leg of his visit to the Northern Command arrived in a special aircraft here this morning. On his arrival here, he called on GOC of Leh based Corps Commander, Lt Gen Ravi Dastane.
Mr Dhoni during interaction with the GOC and other senior officers based in Ladakh region, was briefed on the unique operational challenges faced by the army on account of rough terrain and hostile weather conditions. He also interacted with the jawans over a cup of tea at the Corps Headquarters.
Later, in the afternoon, Captain ‘Cool’ witnessed an exhibition cricket match played between the Army and a local cricket team of Ladakhi youth at the highest cricket pitch in the world. The spirit of the game came alive when Dhoni cheered not only on seeing army men in cricket dress but at the exciting shots of the talented Ladakhi boys. He enjoyed the match throughout the game and then gave away the prizes.
Lt Col Dhoni was presented with Corps memento by Maj Gen Rajeev Sharma, Chief of Staff of the Leh based Corps in front of over 1500 jawans. He is expected to visit Siachen glacier, the highest battle-field in the world tomorrow.