Jobaaj Stories
In the fourth T20I between India and England in Pune, India used a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube after he was hit on the head. Dube, who scored 53, was replaced by Harshit Rana, leading to frustration from England’s captain, Jos Buttler. Buttler disagreed with the decision, stating it wasn’t a “like-for-like” replacement, as Rana is a right-arm bowler, while Dube is a left-handed batsman.
The Debate
Buttler voiced his frustration after India won by 15 runs and took a 3-1 series lead. According to ICC rules, concussion substitutes should be a like-for-like replacement, but the match referee approved Rana’s inclusion.
Harshit Rana’s Impact
Rana took three wickets in his debut match, helping India bowl out England for 166. While Buttler didn’t blame Rana for the loss, he felt the substitution gave India an edge.
ICC Rules and Reactions
According to ICC concussion rules, the replacement must be "like-for-like," and it should not provide a significant advantage to the team. The match referee must approve the substitution, and if they believe the replacement gives an unfair advantage, they may impose conditions.
Buttler’s frustration came from the lack of communication about the substitution. The match referee, however, approved the change. After the match, India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, clarified that the decision was in line with ICC guidelines. “We presented the suitable replacement, and the match referee made the final call,” Morkel said.
