One can’t deny the fact that there is no one like MS Dhoni and there won’t be anyone like him in the future as well. The legendary cricketer has raised the standard so high with his wicket-keeping and captaincy that it is tough for any cricketer in the world to match. However, the Indian cricket team is struggling in his absence.
Some time ago, Rishabh Pant was making news for all the right reasons. He had impressed one and all with his performances playing for India and for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. He was so good that people even started comparing him with MS Dhoni.
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But things have changed now. Rishabh Pant, the young Indian wicket-keeper is receiving a lot of criticism these days because of his inconsistency and poor performances. Looking at his performances it seems like he will take a lot of time to reach where he was earlier.
Meanwhile, there are good chances that the selectors would look after another player in order to bring stability to the batting order. Here, in this article, we bring you five Indian wicket-keeper who can replace Rishabh Pant and can change the game for India. Have a look:
1. Wriddhiman Saha :
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Wriddhiman Saha has impressed one and all with his brilliant performances for a long time now. He is very close to gaining his position back in the playing squad of Men in Blue.
Though he has delivered good performances many times but he has failed to make his space in the playing squad. He has been consistent in the Indian test cricket ever since MS Dhoni announced a surprise Test retirement during the Australia tour in 2014.
He has played some valuable knocks for India till now and still continues to be India’s first-choice keeper. However, 2018 turned out to be an injury-laden year for him but he made a solid comeback after his surgery. Indian cricket fans can’t wait for him to regain his position in the squad and bring back stability.
2. Sanju Samson:
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Sanju Samson is one of the top-class cricketers, who came into limelight because of his spectacular performances in the Indian Premier League for his team Rajasthan Royals in the year 2013. Sanju Samson is the youngest batsman to score 1000 runs in the IPL. In the year 2018, Samson went on to score 441 runs in 15 matches at an average of 31.5 including two match-winning knocks for RR.
Apart from his IPL career, he became the youngest cricketer to captain a Ranji trophy side with Kerala. Sanju has been ranked highly by his mentor Rahul Dravid and would look to continue his fine form. He is in the frame but hoping for luck on his way.
3. Ishan Kishan:
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The young lad can do really well if given an opportunity and the testimony of this fact is his performances in the Indian Premier League. With his big-hitting abilities and wicket-keeping skills, he was bought in by Mumbai Indians for a whopping Rs 5.5 crore. Ishan Kishan was playing for India A in the series against South Africa A at home, where he impressed everyone with his brilliant performances.
The young wicket-keeper captains Jharkhand in the domestic circuit, and is looked as one of the most potential replacement for the legendary keeper MS Dhoni.
4. Dinesh Karthik:
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Dinesh Karthik is the tailor-made batsman, who can be the best and experienced choice for the selectors. Dinesh Karthik made his debut before MS Dhoni, however, he can’t cement his spot in the Indian cricket team.
With test championship and a couple of T20I world cups, he can perfectly fit in the role of Wicket-keeper for India and help in bringing back the much-needed stability.
5. K.Srikar Bharat:
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He might be a lesser-known name in the cricket world but is one of the most talented keeper-batsman of India. Overall these years, the young cricketer is being groomed under various coaches. His brilliant performances as an opener and keeper for Andhra over the years, have always brought him on the tables for the selection panel.
He scored 758 runs in Ranji in his breakthrough year 2014-2015 and since then there has been no turning back. At present, Bharat is the regular wicketkeeper-batsman for India-A sides. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if he receives a call in the near future.