3 players who can replace MS Dhoni when he decides to retire

The Indian cricket team's fans all over the world were left heartbroken after the team's shocking exit from World Cup 2019. Team India were in tremendous form going into the semi-final but were stunned by the Black Caps. While the defeat ended India's campaign, the expected question of MS Dhoni's future is once again making headlines.

MS Dhoni is one of the biggest cricketers India has ever produced. The wicket-keeper batsman has relentlessly served Indian cricket and is one of the greatest captains India has ever seen.

However, MS Dhoni turned 38 a few days ago and the way things are shaping up, it is highly unlikely that he will be around for too long. While there are no doubts about Dhoni's fitness, as he is one of the fittest players going around, the Indian selectors might have to look for Dhoni's successor. There hasn't been any official word from MS Dhoni or BCCI, but regardless of whether he retires or stays for a couple of years, it's time to find Dhoni's replacement.

And there are some serious contenders for the role. Gone are those days when India struggled finding a wicket-keeper who could contribute with the bat. Some new generation wicket-keepers are more than capable of turning things around with their batting abilities.

Here are three players who can replace Dhoni in the future.

#3 Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan has been impressive in the IPL

Dhoni's Jharkhand teammate Ishan Kishan could prove to be an ideal replacement for him. Ishan Kishan has watched Dhoni from close quarters which might help him in the long run. Kishan is one of the most prominent young faces in the country.

The 20-year-old has had a good start to his first-class career. He has also been impressive in the IPL. After playing for Gujarat Lions in his first two seasons, he was part of the Mumbai Indians squad that won IPL 2019. Ishan Kishan is technically sound and well-versed to play both spin and pace bowling.

The thing that can go in Kishan's favour is the fact that he can bat anywhere in the batting order and can play an attacking brand of cricket.

#2 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant needs to be more consistent in ODI cricket

Ishan Kishan's India U19 teammate Rishabh Pant is currently the favourite to replace MS Dhoni. Pant has caught everyone's attention with his delightful strokeplay. The dashing left-hander has played some eye-catching innings in the IPL and is touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket. Pant has already cemented his place in the Indian Test team, averaging more than 49 in the longest format. He has also played 9 ODIs.

The selectors faced a lot of criticism for not including Rishabh Pant in India's World Cup Squad. However, Pant eventually made it to the Indian World Cup squad following Shikhar Dhawan's injury. Pant played a couple of flashy innings but failed to put up a substantial score. And even though he needs to work on his temperament, it seems that the selectors have identified the 21-year-old as Dhoni's replacement in the ODI side.

#1 Sanju Samson

Can Sanju Samson finally do justice to the enormous talent that he possesses?

Sanju Samson's non-selection in the Indian ODI side has been baffling for the Indian fans. Samson oozes class whenever he comes out to bat in the IPL. The Kerala wicket-keeper batsman has played some stunning innings in the IPL and has taken on some of the best bowlers in the world. However, Samson has failed to make it to the Indian ODI side. Samson has his inconsistent performances in the domestic cricket to blame for this snub. The 24-year-old averages just 36.81 in first-class cricket. His list A numbers are even worse as his average comes down to a poor 27.36.

Having said that, there is no doubt that Samson has the talent to perform in international cricket. He can be India's long term number 4. It will be interesting to see whether the Indian selectors are willing to give Samson a long run in the ODI side.