Who Should Replace Out-Of-Form MS Dhoni In Squad For 2019 World Cup?

With every passing day, the question mark over the future of MS Dhoni is just getting bigger and bigger. And the World Cup-winning skipper is doing little with the bat to justify his place in the team.

Time and again, the India team-management has reiterated that MS Dhoni features prominently in the scheme of things for the 2019 World Cup. But with Dhoni’s struggle showing no signs of coming to an end, the team-management will also run out of answer in the coming days.

Given Dhoni’s popularity in this country and not to forget his incredible performance as batsman and captain, a widespread criticism was a far-fetched reality just a couple of years ago. However, things have now started becoming sour for India’s most decorated skipper, and the reasons are quite obvious.

Who Should Replace Out-Of-Form MS Dhoni In Squad For 2019 World Cup?
MS Dhoni (Credits: Getty)

The criticisms have elevated since the home T20I series against New Zealand last year. Dhoni had to cope heat after his 37-ball 49 in India’s defeat in the second T20I against New Zealand. His innings was in stark contrast to Virat Kohli’s free-flowing aggression at the other end. Not only the fans, but former players and TV experts had also questioned his strike rate and inability to hit big shots.

Some handy outings in the South Africa series including his first T20I fifty after playing over a decade helped him ease the burden off himself. It was followed by a stunning outing in the Indian Premier League. He led from the front, as Chennai Super Kings won the title for the third time. The 37-year old enjoyed a stunning season with the bat, amassing 455 runs in 16 games.

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But MS had struggled with the bat since then.  He had a forgettable tour of England.

In the second ODI, he had walked into bat when India needed 183 in 23 overs. But never during his stay, Dhoni tried to go for the shots. In the end, he was out after scoring 37 off 59 balls, as India were all out for just 236 while chasing 323.

Who Should Replace Out-Of-Form MS Dhoni In Squad For 2019 World Cup?
MS Dhoni (Credits: AP)

In fact, his innings was so unusual that the crowd even booed him at one stage which was perhaps the first time the legendary cricketer got booed in his illustrious career.

MS struggled in the third ODI too. Dhoni managed to score 42 but used up 66 deliveries for the same. What made things even worse was the timing of his dismissal? He was the last recognised batsmen at the crease and just when it looked like he would accelerate, he departed in the 46th over. India eventually managed a modest 256 for eight. In reply, England chased down the total with utmost ease to win the series.

Everybody had hoped that Dhoni would regain his form once he bats in friendly conditions during the just-concluded Asia Cup 2018. However, those hopes got brutally quashed by the former India skipper. He started the competition with a duck against Hong Kong. It was followed by knocks of 33, 8 and 36. He has also struggled to get going in the ongoing series against Windies.

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The selectors recently dropped him from the squad for the T20I series against Windies and Australia, making it clear that they are finally ready to look beyond him.  And if the veteran fails to recover his form soon, he could soon found himself out of the ODI team as well as the squad for the next year’s World Cup.

Now the question is who should replace MS Dhoni in the ODIs and most importantly the World Cup?

One name that pops out in everyone’s mind is that of Rishabh Pant. The highly-rated youngster has not looked back since impressing in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. A stunning performance in the 2017 domestic season where he scored a triple century further enhanced his reputation. And the ongoing year has made it pretty clear that he is the man to replace MS Dhoni.

Pant had a sensational IPL season for the Delhi Daredevils this year. While his team finished at the bottom of the points table, the young wicketkeeper-batsman looked in red-hot form throughout the season.

Rishabh Pant ended as the second highest run-getter in the tournament with 684 runs from 14 games. It included five fifties and one century.

Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant (Credits: BCCI)

He soon found a place in India A squad for the England tour where he impressed as well. It paved his way for Test call-up, and he made a big impression again. The southpaw got off the mark in Tests with a six before scoring a stunning century in the final Test. He also made his ODI debut in the ongoing series against Windies.

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Another name that can be considered is that of Dinesh Karthik. While the senior pro has struggled for consistency in international cricket, one cannot undermine his credentials. Moreover, he has a good track record in England. With experience on his side, Karthik could be a good option to replace Dhoni behind the stumps for the World Cup.

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