5 wicket-keepers who can replace MS Dhoni post his retirement

MS Dhoni has looked in ominous form this IPL season, scoring 455 runs at an amazing strike rate of 150.66. He has not only rejuvenated his batting form but also his leadership by leading Chennai into the IPL finals.

Dhoni's good form is a big positive for the Indian cricket team going into next year's World Cup. As an individual, he holds the key to India's fortunes if they are to win this tournament.

As the countdown begins for the mega event, there is speculation that Dhoni might retire from international cricket after World Cup 2019. The big question that arises then is who will replace him once he calls it quits?

Though it is impossible to replace Dhoni, some Indian wicket-keepers have put in stellar performances in the IPL and look like they could make the step up.

#5 Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik has shown great promise as a finisher

This year has seen a big turn around in fortunes for Dinesh Karthik. He performed exceptionally for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and scored 498 runs at a healthy strike rate of 147.77, leading them to the playoffs.

Karthik has been finishing matches at will and looks in complete control while chasing targets.

Karthik is looking in great touch and is the ideal player to take over the mantle from Dhoni with the amount of experience he possesses.

#4 Sanju Samson

Samson has shown great maturity while playing for Rajasthan Royals in this IPL season

Sanju Samson was the find of the season in IPL 2013 when he debuted for Rajasthan Royals (RR). This season, he has regained his magical touch for RR.

In IPL 2018, Samson scored 441 runs in 15 matches at an average of 31.5 including two match-winning knocks for RR. He has been rated highly by his mentor Rahul Dravid and would look to continue his fine form.

Samson is also a decent wicket-keeper and can be a huge prospect once Dhoni retires from the game.

#3 Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan has performed well for Mumbai Indians

Ishan Kishan was bought by Mumbai Indians for a whopping Rs 5.5 crore. With his big hitting abilities, he was given the responsibility to counter-attack in pressure situations.

Kishan played a match-winning knock of 62 runs against KKR at Eden Gardens. He brought up his half-century off just 17 deliveries, striking 4 sixes off Kuldeep Yadav in a single over.

Though he scored only 257 runs in 14 matches, he possesses great talent and could replace his mentor Dhoni in the future.

#2 Lokesh Rahul

Lokesh Rahul has looked in sublime touch for Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) invested Rs.11 crore on KL Rahul during this year's auction. It seemed like that big tag price would affect his game but he turned out to be a great buy for the Punjab team.

Rahul grabbed the opening slot with both hands and in the first match itself, scored the fastest half-century of the tournament, off just 14 balls. Since then, he never looked back and continued his sublime form, scoring 659 runs in 14 matches at an average of 54.91 and strike rate of 158.41.

Rahul had the added responsibility of keeping wickets for the team. Many experts believed that KXIP made a blunder by not picking up a reserve keeper. In the end, it went well as Rahul did a terrific job as a keeper.

#1 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant looked in red-hot form, scoring runs at an amazing strike rate of 173.60

Rishabh Pant came into this season all guns blazing and looked in destructive touch right from ball one. He was the star performer for Delhi Daredevils (DD), scoring 684 runs in 14 matches, at an average of 52.60.

Overall, Pant scored 5 half-centuries and one special knock of 128 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. That was one of the finest knocks in IPL history, as he smashed Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 28 runs in the last over.

Pant has the ability to change the course of the game with his power hitting and unorthodox cricketing shots. Besides, he is a brilliant wicketkeeper and looks like an ideal replacement for Dhoni, who also started off his career in a similar way.