4 Indian cricketers who'll now have to live up to MS Dhoni's standards 

#3 Hardik Pandya

Pandya could become India's new finisher

In the absence of a finisher, Hardik Pandya seems best suited to the role. He has the ability to hit the big shots and is not afraid to take the game to the end, much like MS Dhoni.

Pandya himself has spoken about how MS Dhoni has trained him for the role, and he seems to be willing to take up the responsibility given that there is no place for him anywhere other than the lower middle order. The all-rounder is a smart cricketer who thrives on being in the middle of the action, and there is no reason why he can't attempt to emulate the Ranchi keeper.

However, Pandya still has a long way to go, and he knows it.

"I'll never be able to fill MS' shoes, so I don't even think that way. I'm quite excited for the challenge to be honest. Whatever I do, it will be always for the team you know. It will be one step at the ladder and slowly-slowly that Cup will be there!" Pandya said, when asked if he'll take up the finisher's role in the absence of MS Dhoni.

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#2 Rishabh Pant

Pant and Dhoni are similar in many ways

Many parallels can be drawn between the early international careers of MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant. Both stocky wicket-keepers are destructive with the bat, and have faced their fair share of criticism for their unorthodox batting styles. Moreover, both players' wicket-keeping has been under the scanner as well.

MS Dhoni overcame his initial difficulties, both behind the stumps as well as in front of them, to become India's greatest-ever wicket-keeper-batsman. It remains to be seen if Pant can experience a similar upward curve, and his idol's official retirement will take some of the pressure off him.

Pant has shown what he's capable of in the Indian Premier League, and he could finally be ready to live up to MS Dhoni's standards.

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#1 Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli needs to fill MS Dhoni's massive captaincy shoes

Perhaps the player who's come under the most criticism in the absence of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli's leadership has been a far cry from his predecessor's. Right from DRS calls to field placements, the current Indian captain doesn't seem to possess the tactical acumen that MS Dhoni does.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper just hasn't backed his players enough by giving them consistent runs of games, with team combinations and roles constantly changing. MS Dhoni's presence behind the stumps did appear to soothe some fears, but his absence will now be felt more than ever.

Virat Kohli has failed to lead India to an ICC tournament win yet, and he now has to step up if his team is to win any silverware.