Former India quick Ashish Nehra has likened the impact created by wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant so far in his career to that of a young MS Dhoni a decade-and-a-half ago.

“I don’t see anyone coming close to the impact he [Dhoni] has had as a wicketkeeper-batsman except for Rishabh Pant,” Nehra was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Dhoni entered the Indian set-up towards the end of 2004, with the side still looking to fill their wicketkeeper’s role in the one-day side. Before him, Rahul Dravid had acted as a makeshift ‘keeper, while Parthiv Patel had blown hot and cold in his two years at the top level. A raw Dinesh Karthik hadn’t been able to fully utilise the opportunities on offer.

The Dhoni story in pictures. Bring back the long locks.https://t.co/Os16nuSwaX — Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 23, 2019

Nehra recalled how Dhoni was able to capitalise on the window, despite his unconventional style and rugged technique.

“Dinesh Karthik was an exceptional talent with sound technique,” said Nehra. “But Dhoni did what DK and Parthiv couldn’t — make the most of his opportunities.”

“Dhoni may not have been the best-looking batsman or a sound wicketkeeper, but he certainly was the best wicketkeeper-batsman.”

Exactly 15 years ago, Dhoni carted 148 off 123 balls at No.3 in an ODI against Pakistan, only his fifth international game. Later in 2005, he sealed the ‘keeper’s spot with a stunning 183 against Sri Lanka, still the highest score by a wicketkeeper in ODIs.

“Dhoni’s innings is of great significance for Indian cricket,” Nehra, who was part of the XI in that game against Pakistan, said. “That innings got the team to believe that we too could have a prolific wicketkeeper-batsman. Dhoni didn’t have a great time in his initial matches. But when a confident man like him gets an opportunity and cashes in, then it’s hard to pull him back. Unwavering self-confidence is Dhoni’s strength.

“That innings was like he had tasted blood and he yearned for more. We lost the remaining four matches in that series, but we discovered Dhoni.”

With Dhoni slowly drifting away from the game, Pant has been primed to take over the wicketkeeper’s slot, despite encountering a few hiccups thus far.

Pant has been criticised for his ‘keeping skills time and again, especially during the 2018 tour of England, when he had problems ‘keeping up to the swinging ball. Similar to Dhoni, however, Pant is known for his swashbuckling strokeplay, and has shown bits of sheer brilliance in his fledgeling international career – including overseas Test tons in Australia and England.

“Pant’s journey – though it is still early days – reminds me a lot of Dhoni.”