The fourth T20I between India and England in Pune took an unexpected turn when India introduced pacer Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for all-rounder Shivam Dube. The decision sparked controversy, with England captain Jos Buttler Questions expressing strong disapproval over what he believed was an unfair replacement.
The Incident
Jamie Overton struck Shivam Dube on the helmet during the final over of India’s innings. After undergoing the mandatory concussion test, the medical team initially cleared him to continue, but he was dismissed via a run-out on the last ball. However, after India’s innings ended, the team substituted Dube, and pacer Harshit Rana replaced him.
Buttler’s Discontent
Jos Buttler Questions was vocal about his disagreement with the decision, citing a lack of consultation and questioning the fairness of the replacement.
“It is not a like-for-like replacement,” Buttler stated.
Shivam Dube must have found an extra 25 mph in his deliveries, or Harshit’s batting skills have skyrocketed overnight!
“We had no consultation. The match referee made the decision, and we had no say in it. We’ll be asking Javagal Srinath for clarity on this.”
According to ICC rules, a concussion substitute should be a like-for-like replacement. However, in this case, Dube, a batting all-rounder, was replaced by Rana, a specialist fast bowler—raising questions about whether the rule was correctly applied.
The Bigger Picture
Despite his frustration, Buttler acknowledged that the decision was not the sole reason for England’s loss.
We had opportunities to seal the game but couldn’t capitalize on them. That said, I’d appreciate more clarity on this situation.
The incident ignited a debate about how cricket handles concussion substitutes and whether the sport needs stricter enforcement of the “like-for-like” rule.
