Speaking on the row kicked by the wicketkeeper of Indian cricket team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni donning an Indian Army Insignia on his gloves during the world cup, the General Officer Commanding in Chief ( GOC in C) of South Western Command Lieutenant General Cherish Mathson has said that the act of wearing the insignia was a personal decision of Dhoni.
When prodded by the media persons to comment on the issue which is attracting attention of cricketing fraternity all around the world, Lt Gen Mathson merely said that Dhoni used the insignia in good spirits and the International Cricket Council (ICC) asked him to remove it.
Dhoni attracted wrath of the ICC when he was seen wearing a ‘Daggar’ insignia on his wicket keeping gloves during match of India with South Africa. Dhoni is honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the parachute regiment of the Territorial Army (TA) and dagger which Dhoni used is part of their emblem.
Lt Gen Mathson who was chief guest and reviewing officer (RO) of the Passing out Parade (PoP) on Saturday talked briefly with the media persons at Somnath stadium of Indian Military Academy (IMA).
In reply to another question, the GOC in C of south western Command said that Indian Army is fighting a two and half front war referring to disturbed northern and eastern sectors and counter insurgency operations inside the country.
Lt Gen Mathson said that he is nostalgic and having a feeling of pride for being at the IMA. He said that the he has asked the young officers to serve the country wholeheartedly.