3 reasons why Indian selectors need to look beyond MS Dhoni

#2 The rise of the next generation of keepers

Pant has been rewarded with an ODI debut following his impressive Test form

One of the oft-cited reasons for Dhoni's continuation in the limited overs format was the lack of availability of alternate choices. The clamour for Dhoni's retention was based on his huge experience which was certainly lacking amongst the choices available for keepers.

However, Dhoni's position in the team seems a bit shaky with the rise of the next generation keepers. Rishab Pant had a dream debut in Test cricket when he scored a century in only in his third Test, that too under difficult English conditions, against the likes of Anderson and Broad.

His rich vein of form saw him being drafted into the ODI XI. Dinesh Karthik too had cemented his position in the minds of selectors with his incredible Nidahas Trophy final knock and impressive runs in the IPL, before being surprisingly dropped from the team for the WIndies series.

Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan too continue to impress the selectors with their impressive form in domestic Cricket and the IPL. Kishan's exploits saw him being promoted as Jharkhand captain ahead of seniors like Varun Aaron.

With so many keepers knocking on the door, Dhoni's position in the squad certainly seems to be on infertile grounds. One would be hoping for Dhoni to come back to form to dispell all such talks.