3 Players to Live Up to Dhoni’s Absence
MS Dhoni is the best Indian captain
The legacy Mahendra Singh Dhoni has left behind, is something which in unimaginable to be matched by any other. Be it any other captain, there is no chance that one could replicate Dhoni’s captaincy. Not just a captain but a mentor to his team mates. Very rarely did we see Dhoni losing his cool on the field of play or getting pressurised.
The young guns or at least the consistent players really have to fulfil this huge hole which has occurred due to Dhoni’s absence. India has somehow managed a way to power through the Tests as there was constant backing by the seniors, even when Dhoni left the longest format in 2014. But it is about the dynasty which was built and structured by Ranchi Based Captain.
Let’s take a look at the 3, who will be under the scanner, the most, now that Dhoni has retired.
- Virat Kohli – Perhaps his captaincy will always be compared to Dhoni’s. A captain who always looked towards Dhoni’s guidance before reviewing any of the umpire’s decisions. What Dhoni did most of his captaincy tenure was to trust his players, always give them gave time, give them chances. Build a specific team for a specific format.
There is no doubt that Dhoni’s presence behind the stumps brought ease on everyone’s face. But now that he is gone, Kohli would have to prove himself in the limited over format just like the way he has been doing in the Test.
- Rishabh Pant – The heir of MS Dhoni. A player who showed blistering attacking intent when he stepped onto international scene. A wicket-keeper who was known to be the next DHONI with his attitude as well. But ever since Dhoni had been dropped from the team, Rishabh lacked any solid intent. Given more than enough chances already, Pant has not really outplayed, leaving the games in the IPL.
It remains to be seen if Pant can experience a similar upward curve just like Dhoni did, overcoming his wicket-keeping lapses.
- Hardik Pandya – This Pandya brother has impressed everyone with his finishing in the last overs of the game. A player who India trusted so much in important games in the end that Dhoni was allowed to bat ahead in the batting order. Pandya came into the limited over squad under Dhoni’s supervision and has learned from him a lot.
Even while bowling, Pandya used to listen to Dhoni’s instructions ball after ball. Only time would tell, whether Pandya is able to live up to the hype that he has created all by his own. Or is he among the players who would collapse after the Indian Legend called it off in his international career.
Also Read: MS Dhoni Retires: BCCI’s bids adieu to Captain Cool
Yakshpat Bhargava
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