PUNE, February 1 – England captain Joss Buttler has raised concerns over India’s use of Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the fourth T20I against England. Buttler expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, arguing that it was not a like-for-like replacement, thereby questioning the fairness of the ruling.
India secured a 15-run victory in the fourth T20I, taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. Shivam Dube played a crucial role, scoring 53 runs off 34 balls, before getting hit on the helmet while running between the wickets in the final over. Following medical evaluation, he did not take the field during England’s innings, and Harshit Rana replaced him as a concussion substitute. Rana went on to take three key wickets, significantly impacting the game.
Buttler’s Objection: “It Was Not a Like-for-Like Replacement”
After the match, Joss Buttler strongly criticized the decision, stating:
“Either Shivam Dube has suddenly started bowling at 25 miles per hour, or Harshit Rana has dramatically improved his batting overnight. This does not seem like a like-for-like replacement, and we do not agree with it.”
He further claimed that England was not consulted about the substitution:
“We were not informed beforehand. When I came out to bat, I asked about Harshit Rana, and I was told he was a concussion replacement. This was surprising because, clearly, it was not an equivalent substitution. The umpires told us that the decision had been made by the match referee, and we had no say in the matter.”
What Do ICC’s Concussion Substitute Rules Say?
The International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines state that:
- A concussion substitute must be approved by the match referee.
- The substitute should ideally have a similar skill set to the player being replaced, ensuring that the team does not gain an undue advantage.
- The final decision lies solely with the match referee.
Comparison Between Dube and Harshit Rana
- Shivam Dube – Left-handed batter, right-arm medium bowler.
- Harshit Rana – Right-handed batter, right-arm medium bowler.
While both players can bowl medium pace, England argued that Rana’s inclusion gave India an unfair advantage, as he performed exceptionally well with the ball, taking three wickets and playing a decisive role in India’s victory.
England Demands Clarity from ICC
Buttler emphasized that England would seek clarity on the ruling:
“This is not the reason we lost the match, but we want an explanation on this matter. We need clear and consistent application of the rules.”
The controversy has now added extra intensity to the final T20I, set to take place at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Sunday. England will aim to end the series on a high note, while India will look to extend their dominance.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
