Reports: Rishabh Pant to replace Dhoni for the West Indies series

Rishabh Pant to replace Dhoni: It is within the bounds of possibility that Dhoni will be rested for the upcoming series against West Indies.

A list of few of the best wicket-keepers ever in the game is destined to have the name of Mahendra Singh Dhoni in it. The former Indian captain has led team India to incredible victories across all three formats throughout his career.

However, his game is believed to be on a decline, with his poor form over the past few
months making people ponder over his ability to continue at the top level with the national team.

The 37-year-old bid farewell from the longest format of the game during India’s tour of Australia back in 2014, but is still plying his trade in the limited overs format. New reports now suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is thinking at keeping MS Dhoni fresh before the World Cup next year in England and Wales.

A board official has claimed that the veteran player is highly possible to be a
part of the World Cup squad, which will add experience to the Indian dugout.
However, the official further claimed that young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant might also be given a chance in the upcoming ODIs.

“We all know that Dhoni will play till the World Cup but there is no harm in grooming Pant, who could be a terrific No.6 or 7 batsman, who has the ability to finish games,” NDTV Sports quoted the board official.

Pant has been in great form in the recent past. Despite not having many good outings in the shorter formats of the game, the left-hander has impressed as a wicket-keeper batsman in red-ball cricket. The youngster made his debut against England in Nottingham, and began his Test career with a six off the very second delivery of his Test career.

In the concluding Test at Kennington Oval in London, the Uttarakhand-born star brought up his first Test century. Despite the knock coming in a losing cause, Pant was able to make a brilliant name in Test cricket. Moreover, the left-hander also managed to score a quick 92 in the Test match against
Windies in Rajkot.

India’s next ODI assignment is against the Windies from October 21, when they play a five-game series. MS Dhoni is expected to rest for the series, with Pant likely to make it to the squad. Below are some of the recent Twitter reactions on Dhoni: