Nobody wants to see Dhoni go, but succession planning is a must.
MS Dhoni has been in astounding form this IPL season, scoring 455 runs at a stellar strike rate of 150.66. His rejuvenated batting form is one reason why Chennai is in the IPL finals. Dhoni’s good form is also a big positive for India’s cricket team going into next year’s World Cup.
The great MS Dhoni (photo, India.com)
But speculation abounds that Dhoni may retire from international cricket after participating in World Cup 2019. That’s why people are asking, “Who will replace Dhoni if he calls it quits?”
Some say that Dhoni is impossible to replace, but there’s widespread agreement that a few players are prepared to step up in his place. Here are my choices.
Courtesy: League of India
Rishabh Pant: Pant came into this season with guns blazing. A star performer for Delhi Daredevils, he scored 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. He also smashed Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 28 runs in the last over. What makes Pant special is his ability to change the course of the game with power hitting and unorthodox shooting. A brilliant wicketkeeper, Pant looks like an ideal replacement for Dhoni.
Dinesh Karthik: Karthik had a very good year for Kolkata Knight Riders. He scored 498 runs at a healthy strike rate of 147.77, leading Kolkata to the playoffs. The good thing is that Karthik has been finishing matches and looks to be in complete control of his game. I think he’d be an ideal player to take over for Dhoni. For one thing, his experience gives him an advantage over many other competitors for the job.
Courtesy: Wikilistia
Sanju Samson: In 2013, Samson was the find of the season when he debuted for Rajasthan Royals. After several up-and-down seasons, Samson regained his touch this year. He scored 441 runs in 15 matches at an average of 31.5 and had two match-winning knocks. Praised by his mentor, Rahul Dravid, Samson is a decent wicket-keeper who’d be an excellent candidate to replace Dhoni.
