Your prayers would be greatly appreciated as Rishabh Pant, who was hurt in a horrific accident last year, begins his healing process. Despite the flood of congratulations that have been sent his way, one statement from a well-known Indian cricketer has completely caught everyone off guard.
Pant suffered severe injuries in a car accident on his way to Roorkee on December 30 and will miss at least a year of cricket. Two critical ligaments in his knee were replaced, and the third will be restored in six weeks. Even if Pant is released on time and starts rehabilitation, it would take at least six months, excluding him from the World Cup and possibly the entire year of 2023. Pant, especially in Tests, will be missed by India.
Kapil Dev, the former captain of India, is not thrilled about Pant’s careless mistake because it has further complicated the team’s combination. Kapil has publicly said he intends to “slap” a recuperating Pant to wish the latter a swift recovery.
“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 but 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 stated on Uncut.
Kapil’s worry is genuine, but his statement often catches listeners off guard. However, Kapil did make a valid point. Without Pant, India’s coaching staff must find a new middle-order solution. This is useful not only for batting but also wicketkeeping. India will miss Pant’s flamboyant, aggressive play and his ability to seize the initiative and turn the tide in a tight situation. Suryakumar Yadav is the only other player who can replace him in that role. Surya, whose T20I performances have been a revelation, has been given his first Test call-up and is likely to bat in the middle of India’s lineup in the mould of Pant.
