3 wicket-keeper batsmen who can step into M.S. Dhoni's shoes after the 2019 World Cup

MS Dhoni is a living legend. He will go down in history as one of the finest Indian captains as well as being one of the best wicket-keeper batsmen that the game has ever produced. Dhoni who comes from a humble background began his career in 2004 against Bangladesh.

Despite getting run out for a duck on his international debut, Dhoni proved his worth against Pakistan, playing a blistering knock of 148 to announce himself to the world. From there on, there was no looking back.

Having taken over the limited-overs captaincy from Rahul Dravid in 2007 and the Test captaincy from Anil Kumble in 2008, Dhoni as a captain has been truly fantastic. Having won all major ICC tournaments including both 20-over and 50-over World Cups, no captain barring perhaps Ricky Ponting can compete with his outstanding record.

Even though India had some forgettable away tours during the latter part of Dhoni's Test captaincy, it was under him that India reached the summit of becoming the number 1 ranked Test team for the first time ever.

Dhoni as a batsman too has had some wonderful moments. He won the ICC ODI Player of the year award in 2008 and 2009, becoming the first player to win the award twice.

However, every good thing must come to an end. In recent years, with age catching up, the Ranchi born player is on his last heels. It is very likely that the dashing keeper will hang up his boots at the end of the 2019 World Cup.

Therefore, Finding an able replacement for M.S. Dhoni will almost be impossible considering his contribution not only in batting and wicket-keeping but also as an ardent reader of the sport.

However, here are 3 young wicketkeeper-batsman, who can try to fill the huge void that would be left by M.S.Dhoni:

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#3 Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan got into the limelight with some electric performances in the IPL

Ishan Kishan is an Indian first-class cricketer who represents Jharkhand in Ranji Trophy. In December 2015, he was named as the captain for the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in Bangladesh.

A left-handed batsman who keeps wickets, Ishan Kishan smashed 273 runs against Delhi in the 2016-17 Ranji season. His 273 is the highest score by a Jharkhand player in a Ranji Trophy match. He also emerged as the leading run-scorer for Jharkhand in the 2017–18 season, with 484 runs in six matches.

The 20-Year-Old stylish southpaw can be a great asset for India. His fearless batting and athletic wicketkeeping mean that he will definitely be on the radar for future selections. Hailing from the same state as Dhoni as well as having led the Indian under-19 team, Kishan already possesses attributes similar to that of his compatriot's.

Ishan Kishan had a decent IPL outing in 2018 for Mumbai Indians, amassing 275 runs with a strike rate of 149.45, that included a couple of half-centuries. Kishan's attacking strokeplay can change the complexion of any match and will look to put his case for the national team in the coming years.

#2 Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson became the youngest batsman to score 1000 runs in the IPL

Sanju Samson is a 23-year-old cricketer who represents Kerala in the Ranji Trophy and Delhi Daredevils in the IPL. The boy from Kerala is very talented as he made his Ranji Trophy debut in 2011 as a 17-year old.

Still only 23-years of age, the youngster knows how to handle responsibility as he has captained his Ranji side for the past three years. During the 2017-18 season, Samson led from the front as he notched up 627 runs in just seven matches.

Despite a good Ranji season, it was his IPL exploits that catapulted him to international recognition as he made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe way back in 2015. The Kerala born batter ended up with 441 runs in the 2018 edition of the IPL, becoming the youngest batsman to score 100 runs in the IPL.

The Stylish Wicket-Keeper Batsman from Kerala has an impressive average of 44.70 in First-class cricket and if everything goes well for the Keralite, one can see him donning the Indian jersey sooner than later.

His incredible class and ability to deal the new ball will be a massive plus for him. Wicket keeping abilities will help him fast track into the national team.

#1 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant recently made his Test debut against England

Currently, the best bet to take over from MS Dhoni after the stalwart retires, Rishabh Pant recently made his Test debut against England. The attacking left-hander catapulted into international fame after smashing an 18-ball half century during the 2016 under-19 World Cup.

The Delhi lad can not only smash the ball but also has the appetite for scoring big as was on display during his 308-run knock against Maharashtra during the 2016-17 season. More highlights include smashing the fastest Ranji century off just 48 balls against a hapless Jharkhand bowling unit.

After making such huge waves, the young lad got his T20I debut against England in 2017. Carrying on from where he left off, Pant smashed 684 runs during the 2018 edition of the IPL, finishing second only to New Zealander Kane Williamson in the top scorer's list.

After gaining his first Test cap, days are not far when the southpaw will become a permanent fixture in the limited overs lineup as well.