MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers | Photo Credit: AP

There is no comparison, no replacement for MS Dhoni. Despite endless debates on replacement options, Dhoni will remain part of Indian blue, and more importantly for his lightning-fast and clever wicketkeeping skills and as a mentor to young talents. Although, his present form with the bat has raised questions a plenty. Should India replace Dhoni from playing XI? And former South African cricketer laughed it off, calling critics as 'funny'. He said that even if the veteran cricketer would have turned old and would be down in a wheelchair, he would still be part of his team 'every day of every year'.

Dhoni's form with the bat took the downward road during Champions Trophy 2017 in England with criticisms reaching its peak when India were playing against New Zealand at home in October. However, in IPL 2018, a rejuvenated Dhoni was spotted with the return of Chennai Super Kings, with the veteran living up to his 'finisher' tag. His stunning show in the cash-rich league showed promises that Dhoni was back. But he wasn't. His struggle at the crease, inability to rotate strike and sluggish innings continued in England ODI as well. In fact, in this season, he ha managed to amass just 156 runs in nine matches.

Despite these anxious numbers, Dhoni has been as magnificent as ever behind the stumps. Along with it, Dhoni's experience has also come in handy for the Indian team, especially with his DRS calls and him helping out the young bowlers from behind the stumps.

When De Villiers was asked whether it was time for India to replace Dhoni, the South African told ANI, "You guys are funny. No, I would play MS Dhoni in my team every day of every year. He can be 80, in a wheelchair, and he would still play for my team. He is fantastic I mean look at his record. You want to drop a guy like that? You can go ahead by all means. I wouldn’t."

Chief Indian selector MSK Prasad has assured that Dhoni will continue with India in ODIs until the 2019 World Cup and Rishabh Pant's inclusion in the format has been solely as a batsman.