Former Australian cricketer, Dean Jones, expressed that the wicketkeeper-batsman — Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul would be in relief after MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket. His remark came after the debate started on social media on who will better fit in Dhoni’s shoes in the Indian team.
Since MS Dhoni made himself unavailable from the international cricket after the World Cup 2019, Team India has given Rishabh Pant the wicketkeeper’s role.
However, the youngster had struggled to live up to the expectations. He was under heavy criticism for his poor wicketkeeping skills as well as batting. After the low string of runs, Pant was replaced with KL Rahul as the wicketkeeper-batsman.
KL Rahul had donned the gloves in domestic tournaments but never got the opportunity in international cricket. He first time took the role in T20I during the New Zealand tour. The versatile cricketer not only impressed with his keeping but also successfully fulfilled the finisher’s role.
The Kerala batsman Sanju Samson is also another contender for MS Dhoni’s position in Team India. However, he didn’t have got many chances in international cricket. He has so far played only four T20Is and scored just 19 runs.
I bet you KL Rahul and R Pant slept well last night: Dean Jones
Cricketer-turned-commentator Dean Jones seems to take KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the right replacement of the Ranchi-born wicketkeeper. Taking to Twitter, he expressed,
“After MS Dhoni retirement yesterday… I bet you KL Rahul and R Pant slept well last night!!”
After MS Dhoni retirement yesterday… I bet you KL Rahul and R Pant slept well last night!!
— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) August 16, 2020
MS Dhoni officially announced his retirement through an Instagram post. He shared a video clip that had all the memorable pictures of him during his cricket journey and the song was running “pal do pal ka shayar”.
Along with the wicketkeeper-batsman, Suresh Raina also retired from international cricket as he also shared a post on social media. The duo is currently in Chennai preparing for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) edition in the UAE.