Gautam Gambhir Names Three Players Who Can Replace MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni’s future has become the major talking point ever since India bowed out of the World Cup. In fact, the debate over how long would Dhoni continue now has completely overshadowed India’s dismal exit from the World Cup. While Dhoni’s status in Indian cricket is second to none, there is little denying that he is well past his prime.

The 38-year old has looked like a pale shadow of his usual self in recent months. He has been under pressure to deliver for more than a year now. The three fifties in Australia at the start of this year helped him make some breathing space for himself but since then things have not panned out as he would have liked.

During the World Cup, there were reports that Dhoni would retire at the end of India’s campaign. However, the team-management rubbished those claims. Recent reports suggest that Dhoni is no more an automatic choice in the team although he is unlikely to retire any time soon. The picture would become clearer when India announce their squad for the West Indies tour.

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And ahead of the series, former India batsman Gautam Gambhir has opined that it is time to look beyond Dhoni. The legendary opener feels that India should now try out the likes of Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan.

“It’s important to look into the future. And it’s time to groom youngsters. Be it Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan or any other wicketkeeper, whoever is believed to have the potential should be made the wicket-keeper. Give him chances for one and half-years and if he doesn’t perform, then others should be tried out as well. Then one would get to know who the keeper for the next World Cup is,” Gambhir told TV9 Bharatvarsh

India, meanwhile, are currently gearing up for the West Indies tour. They are set to play three T20s, as many ODIs and two Tests in a full-fledged tour.