4 Wicket Keepers who could be an apt replacement for MS Dhoni 

Coach Ravi Shastri has categorically stated that MS Dhoni will play the 2019 World Cup. But under a hypothetical situation, assuming that MSD decides to hang his boots today, let us see some probable candidates who might replace him.

For the past 13 years or so, MS Dhoni has been a colossal enigma for the Indian team. The fact that he could easily fit into the roles of a captain, batsman, and a wicketkeeper makes his mere presence a huge boon for the team. However, every great cricketer has a shelf life, and as the clock keeps on ticking, MSD is soon reaching the fag end of his career.

As the talismanic Ranchi keeper's moment of bidding adieu is not far away, it is imperative for the BCCI selectors to scout for an apt replacement. Even though there are some exceptionally talented keepers out there, it would be credulous on one's part to believe that there is a readymade replacement for MSD. But the selectors have their task cut, (i.e) to zero in on the best possible replacement for Dhoni in the limited overs formats.

Here we have a look at 4 highly talented candidates on whom the selectors might invest their confidence and who could prove to be an effective replacement.

---

#1 Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik has been hanging around in Indian Cricketing circles since the year 2004. That he made his international debut before MSD but could never cement his position in the squad speaks volumes about the latter's dominance as a keeper-batsman.

However, the Tamil Nadu batsman appears to be the most preferred replacement under immediate circumstances as he has already cemented his place in the limited overs squad over the past few months with his stellar domestic performances. In the recent Nidahas trophy final against Bangladesh, Karthik carved a niche for himself as he managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat and took team India to an incredible victory from an almost impossible situation, an innings that would have inspired confidence in selectors to consider him as a potential finisher.

His stature only increased after his anointment as KKR skipper, an indication of the team management's trust in his abilities. Another factor in Karthik's favour is the fact that he is technically sound against quality bowling lineups, something that he had proved way back in 2007 in England.

The only point which might go against Karthik is his age. He is on the wrong side of 30's and is not getting any younger. But if the selectors decide to go with current form and not with age, Karthik might soon find himself in the driver's seat.

#2 Kannaur Lokesh Rahul

KL Rahul's explosive batting might prod the selectors to see him as MSD's potential replacement

KL Rahul is undoubtedly one of the best batsmen of the younger generation going around in Indian cricket. The fact that barring Raina and Rohit Sharma, he is the only Indian batsman to score international centuries in all 3 formats of the game shows his potential. He is also the only Indian to average 45+ in T20I's apart from captain Virat Kohli and remains the sole Indian to score a century on ODI debut.

Rahul's pedigree as a batsman was on display at an early stage in his career when he scored a century against Australia in only his second test match, on a fast-paced Sydney track against an attack comprising of the likes Starc and Hazlewood. However, despite his all his undeniable talent, Rahul has been in and out of the limited overs side because of his inconsistency and failure to convert his starts into big scores. This trait of Rahul saw him being left out of the ODI series against South Africa. He was part of the T20I's though.

Rahul has managed to put all these negativities past him and has had a dream start to this year's IPL. He blasted his way to the fastest 50 in IPL history (of just 14 balls) in KXIP's opening tie against DD and is currently no.2 on the most runs tally for IPL 2018. Rahul has been batting with an intent to dominate and decimate bowling attacks and has displayed immense fearlessness, something probably acquired from mentor Sehwag.

The one big factor that might go against Rahul is the fact that he is not a regular wicketkeeper and is only a part-timer. Selectors might be looking for a handy gloveman to replace MSD and Rahul's inexperience behind the stumps might prove costly for him. However, there is always scope for improvement and Rahul has the potential to storm into the team purely based on his batting abilities, if not as a keeper.

#3 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant will be one of the front-runners to carry forward the legacy of Dhoni

Delhi keeper Rishabh Pant is one of the leading contenders to carry forward the baton held by Dhoni in the ODI and T20 format. The 20-year-old swashbuckling keeper batsman is currently one of the most sought-after players in the domestic circuit which was evident from the fact that he was retained by Delhi Daredevils for IPL 2018.

Pant first came into the public reckoning after his 18-ball fifty against Nepal, in the 2016 U-19 World Cup, the fastest half-century at the U-19 level. 5 days later, he scored a century against Namibia to lead India to a semifinal berth. In only his third IPL match, Pant became the second youngest player to score an IPL 50 when he reached the landmark off just 25 balls, against Gujarat lions.

Pant also holds several other records to his name in domestic cricket. In the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy season, Pant recorded a score of 308 runs against Maharashtra and became the third-youngest Indian and fourth overall to score a triple century in first-class cricket. He holds the record for the second fastest T20 century in T20 cricket, scoring 100 from 32 balls for Delhi against Himachal Pradesh in the 2018 edition of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He also scored the fastest century in Ranji Trophy history, when he made a 100 off just 48 balls against Jharkhand in 2016.

Having earned such stupendous glories at an early stage of his career resulted in Pant witnessing a growth in his stature, evident from his ascent to the captaincy of Delhi in 2017, aged just 19 years, at the expense of seniors like Gautam Gambhir. His exceptional performances saw him earn a place in the Indian T20 team. However, Pant is yet to prove himself at the international level so far, which is only a matter of time, considering his immense talent. He has had a terrific start to IPL 2018 so far, with his aggressive intent on display.

He also played a terrific hand against RCB in IPL 2017 and almost took his team over the line, a couple of days after his father's death, an innings which is a testimony to his steely resolve and commitment to the game. Taking into account his incredible career so far, Pant can be considered an early contender for MS Dhoni's replacement. Age is also on his side when compared to Karthik and Rahul.

#4 Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson will be keen to continue with his terrific form in IPL 2018

Kerala keeper Sanju Samson is one amongst the several players to have come to the limelight thanks to the IPL. However, like several other IPL wonders, he did not turn out to be a one season wonder and became a household name thanks to his consistent performances in the IPL.

Samson is the youngest batsman to score 1000 runs in IPL. He is also the youngest player to captain a Ranji side (Kerala). His consistent run-scoring abilities in domestic Cricket saw him gain a place in India's ODI squad for the 2014 tour of England. He never played a game though and finally made his international debut against Zimbabwe in a T20 match in 2015. However, Samson was dropped soon as the seniors made a comeback to the team.

Samson, though, continues to impress with his spectacular performances in both IPL and domestic cricket and continues to be a part of the radar of the national selectors. In the ongoing edition of IPL, Samson is the currently the highest run-getter. His terrific hitting abilities were in full force against RCB during his innings of 92 not out. The biggest strengths of Samson are his powerful wrists that allow him to whack the ball into the stands more often than not and his beautiful hand-eye coordination.

Samson will be looking forward to continuing his stellar run until the selectors stand up and take note of him as a serious candidate to replace MS Dhoni.