Rishabh Pant the "best guy" to replace MS Dhoni for India, says Virender Sehwag

Pant has taken over the gloves for the West Indies series as the ex-captain considers his international future

Virender Sehwag believes Rishabh Pant is the outstanding candidate to succeed MS Dhoni as India's wicket-keeper on a long-term basis.

Thirty-eight-year-old Dhoni retired from Tests in 2014 but is still considering his international white-ball future following the World Cup and has skipped the multi-format duel with the West Indies.

Pant has taken the gloves in the former captain's absence and Sehwag believes there is only one man capable of replacing Dhoni.

"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.

"He (Pant) will take some time. If he corrects his shot selection, he will serve Team 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."

With Dinesh Karthik left out of all three squads to face the Windies, Wriddhiman Saha is the only other 'keeper named in the travelling party, but only for the Test series.

However, Pant has begun the first Test at North Sound and looks set for a run in the red-ball team, as India brace for a decision from Dhoni over his future.