'I will slap you; your injury has spoiled team combination': World Cup winning legend's surprising remark on Rishabh Pant shocks fans

Shocking take on Rishabh Pant's injury (Source: Twitter)

Rishabh Pant, who met with a horrific car accident last year on 30 December, continues to recover from his injuries in the said crash. He has torn three key ligaments in his knee, two of which were recently operated upon, while surgery on a third is expected soon. Among a flurry of good wishes coming his way, a 'unique and unexpected take by India's legendary batter, Kapil Dev, comes as a complete shock.

"I love him very much. I want him to get well, and when he gets well, If you go, I will go and slap you hard because take care of yourself. Look, your injury has spoiled the combination of the whole team. That's why there is love and affection that you get well soon. Then there is also anger that such mistakes today's youth. Why do boys do it? There should be a slap for that too," Kapil said on Uncut, talking about India's wicketkeeper-batter.

Rishabh Pant's absence may mean a chance for Suryakumar Yadav

Kapil's remark sure comes from a good heart, but his statement has surprised people. Although a bit strong in his remark, Kapil Dev did raise a good point; Pant's unavailability has put India's middle order into major trouble. Suryakumar Yadav is the only player who can play a role similar to Pant in the middle order. He has the capacity to play aggressively and accelerate the run flow per need. He has finally received his maiden Test call-up and looks set to slot into India's middle order to play a Pant-esque role.

Notably, Pant's injury rules him out of the Cricket World Cup and possibly the entire year. Once he is discharged from the Hospital, his minimum rehabilitation time is expected to be six months. He will be a big miss for India, especially in Tests. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is India's last chance to make it into the final of the Test Championships; it'll be interesting to see how India copes with Pant's absence.