With tensions between India and Pakistan escalating after the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam and India’s subsequent retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor, public curiosity has turned to whether sports icons like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar—both of whom hold honorary ranks in the Indian armed forces—could be deployed to the frontlines in the event of full-scale war.
Dhoni holds the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army’s Parachute Regiment, and Sachin Tendulkar is a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force. While both have undergone ceremonial or symbolic training, their military roles are primarily meant to inspire youth and promote patriotism rather than engage in combat operations.
A recent government notification has empowered the Chief of Army Staff to mobilize Territorial Army personnel for essential duties, strengthening speculation about the potential involvement of celebrities who hold such ranks. However, military experts emphasize that honorary appointments are largely symbolic and do not imply operational deployment.
“The Territorial Army is part of the reserve force and can be mobilized during national emergencies, but honorary officers like Dhoni and Tendulkar are not combat-ready troops. Their primary role is motivational,” explained retired Lieutenant Colonel (Dr.) Satish Dhage.
The Territorial Army comprises civilian volunteers who undergo training and are mobilized during wartime or national emergencies. It has played key roles in past conflicts such as the Indo-China War of 1962 and the Kargil War of 1999. Cricketers like Hemu Adhikari, who served in World War II and held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, are rare examples of sportsmen directly participating in war.
In addition to Dhoni and Tendulkar, several other public figures such as Kapil Dev, Abhinav Bindra, Nana Patekar, and Mohanlal have also been granted honorary positions in the Territorial Army. These appointments are largely ceremonial and serve to bridge civilian-military relations.
While the Territorial Army can be called into active duty under extraordinary circumstances, the deployment of honorary officers like Dhoni or Tendulkar remains extremely unlikely. The purpose of their association with the forces is to serve as national icons, not frontline soldiers.
In conclusion, unless the country faces a dire, all-hands-on-deck situation, Dhoni and Tendulkar are not expected to be sent to the border. Their military ranks honor their achievements and patriotic spirit but do not translate into combat responsibilities in wartime.
