The position of a wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian team has been long held by former skipper, MS Dhoni since the time he entered the Men in Blue unit back in 2004-05. His appointment as the national captain in 2007 cemented his spot, minimizing the chances for Dinesh Karthik, Parthiv Patel, Naman Ojha and several other wicketkeeper-batsmen to make an entry into the senior side.
With Dhoni on the verge of hanging up his gloves, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag believes Rishabh Pant is his rightful successor, leaving behind the likes of Karthik and Wriddhiman Saha, both of whom have a decent experience in playing international cricket.
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“I think Rishabh Pant is the best one (option). He proved himself in Test cricket and now he may prove himself in ODIs and T20Is again. He is the best guy to replace MS Dhoni,” Sehwag told TOI in an exclusive interview.
“He will take some time. If he corrects his shot selection, he will serve India for a long time. I am sure in the coming three or four years, you will see Pant opening for the team. He has the capability to open the innings in the limited-overs format.”
Dhoni, on the other hand, still hasn’t officially announced his retirement and is currently serving the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiment in the Kashmir Valley.
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Feature Image Courtesy: AFP/ Money Sharma
