Why nobody stands a chance to replace MS Dhoni as India captain

Defeat at Sydney was India's sixth successive overseas Test defeat. But more than India loss, what came under criticism was Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy. Always hailed for his composed yet aggressive leadership, Dhoni was noticeably defensive in his field placements. His performance as a batsman has not helped his cause either as he has managed to score just 88 runs in four innings, while his Australian counterpart Michael Clarke tops the batting chart with 361 runs in three innings. That of course includes his unbeaten 329 but Clarke as a leader has been impressive as well.

So the question is, has Dhoni lost his midas touch? Is it time, paves the way for a new leader? And if you answer is YES, then there is a bigger question, who shall succeed him?

We rule out biggies like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid since they have served as captains and quit the role by choice. Also longevity of their careers is uncertain. We don't want to make them serve the team for a year or two, or in just one format. While Dravid has quit ODIs, Sachin plays series and opponents by choice. He decides if he wants to play a series against a team or not.

So that leaves us with some of the contemporaries of MS Dhoni and the first name that comes to our mind is Virender Sehwag. There were even reports in the Australian media that the Indian team is divided over change in captaincy. While some want Dhoni to continue, others want Sehwag to take over. However, these reports of rift were denied by none other than Sehwag himself. But even if they are true, what chance does he stand?

So far Sehwag has led India in three Tests, one each against Bangladesh, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, and have won two and drawn one. Percentage wise it's good but while leading the side, Sehwag's performance as a batsman takes dip. He averages 28.28 as compared to his career average of 51.51. Now that's not the kind of average one would appreciate from the opener.

Going by his physical fitness, which is an important requirement as a captain has to be a regular face in team. Dhoni is known to be among the fittest players in the team despite shouldering physically strenuous responsibility of a keeper and a batsman. Sehwag has been troubled by shoulder in the last couple of years which has seen him out of action intermittently. Although Sehwag's street-smart ways have often been appreciated, they are not always effective. So that rules out the Nawab of Najafgarh from the contention.

Next is Gautam Gambhir: This Indian cricketer has a fighting temperament as a batsman, but when it comes to leading the side, Gambhir may not be the right choice. You expect a leader to have a positive and composed body language, even under pressure situations. Gambhir somewhat lacks that.

Statistically speaking, Gambhir has never led India in Tests, but has led the team in six ODIs and he has a 100 % winning record. He also has better average as a captain. But is he tactful, innovative and experimental? There are doubts,

Yuvraj Singh is another name that comes to one's mind. He had served as Dhoni's deputy. He likes to shoulder responsibilities and has the potential to win a match single-handedly. Despite his match-winning abilities and strong candidature, Yuvraj might have to wait because he is yet to cement his place in the Test side and Dhoni is doing just fine as an ODI and T20 skipper. Also Yuvraj's fitness and consistency have always been doubtful, not to mention being talked for his off-field adventures.

And the likes of Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina are still very immature to handle this intense-pressure job. We saw how Kohli caved in to a jeering Australian crowd and made a gesture that was slammed by all.

So all those critics who are sharpening their daggers to behead 'Coolhead Dhoni', wait and think, which player do you put in his place, who can remain calm under tense situations and doesn't get carried away with the success, who lets his players bloom and yet has everyone under one umbrella? Do you have an answer? If Yes, shout it out loud with reasoning. If Not, then wait and watch for Dhoni's next move.