5 Ranji wicketkeepers who can fill MS Dhoni's void in Test cricket

Finding a perfect wicketkeeper-batsman always plays a key role in the selection of a Test squad. He plays an integral part in setting the field and then giving his contribution as a regular batsman. All those demands a huge fitness and a smart brain from the player which was excelled beautifully by former Indian skipper MS Dhoni.

However, after his retirement, India never found the perfect replacement which cost dearly in many scenarios. Though Saha tried his best, injuries took a toll on him thus leaving the place for grabs.

Here are the 5 wicketkeepers in Ranji Trophy who has the ability to fill MSD’s shoes:

5. Naman Ojha:

Naman Ojha falls under the unluckiest cricketers of India. He failed to get the nod when he was in his brutal best but when he was little down, even the decent performers took Indian cap. Such has been his story so far.

The true fact is that he was born in the same era where Indian legendary MS Dhoni was born. Naman Ojha is one of those cricketers who has been outshined in front of MS Dhoni’s charming presence in the side.

His heroics in 2009 season and then the colossal tally of 835 runs in a season has been overlooked. His ability to score runs and the quality wicketkeeping will make his name in the list and can be given a chance to check out.

4. Narayan Jagadeesan:

Perhaps, inexperience might delay things for Jagadeesan but he has a fantastic skill set to don the Indian Jersey. He got the limelight through TNPL season 1 and then made it to the Ranji Squad.

His debut season was extraordinary where he amassed bulk tallies for his side. Besides his ability to bat, Jagadeesan has been impressive with his glovework as well. All those helped him to get in the Chennai Super Kings’ dugout.

Being on the same team with MS Dhoni, the youngster has got the great chance to learn from MS Dhoni as well. Narayan Jagadeeesan being an opening batsman can handle the new ball as well.

3. Ishan Kishan:

The stylish southpaw can be a great asset for India. His fearless batting and the athletic wicketkeeping will certainly put his name on the radar. He hails from the same Ranji team Jharkhand in which MS Dhoni had played.

Ishan Kishan has got the great talent to play his strokes against world class bowlers and been impressive in India-A as well. Though there are temperament issues, if nurtured, Ishan Kishan can easily fit in MS Dhoni’s shoes.

The classy southpaw will give the additional advantage of bringing left-hander into the setup and can deal with the new ball as well. Sometimes, his attacking strokeplay will be a massive boost for the team as well.

2. Srikar Bharat:

The Andhra wicketkeeper Srikar Bharat has been the revelation in the recently-concluded Ranji season. He nailed his opening position for the team in the recently concluded season with colossal tallies in his backpack.

Making his First-class debut at the age of 19 against Kerala, Bharat has been one of the consistent run-getters for Andhra in the last few years. He made rapid strides both as a keeper and as a batsman at the domestic level.

His impressive Ranji season earned him an India-A spot where he did reasonably well. Bharat is under the scheme of things to push a place in the side. One solid knock in the national circuit will pave the way for him in senior men.

1. Sanju Samson:

It is quite unfortunate for Sanju Samson that he is still in the proving players’ list. He has got the exceptional talent but things aren’t going the youngsters’ way. Sanju Samson is doing all the required stuff but something that the other is delaying things for him.

The Kerala wicketkeeper was called for India-A and one good knock would have paved a way for him in the senior team. But, the failure in the Yo-Yo test completely saw the other side of the things for the youngster.

However, 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 boosting factor for his chances.