IND vs ENG 4th T20I: Why was Harshit Rana permitted to bowl after replacing Shivam Dube as a concussion substitute? Here’s what the rules state

Harshit Rana’s Concussion Substitution Stirs Controversy in India vs England 4th T20I” Harshit Rana made his T20I debut for India under unusual circumstances as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the 4th T20I against England in Pune on Friday. Rana came onto the field in the 8th over and immediately made an impact, taking the catch of England’s Jos Buttler. Buttler, visibly frustrated with the dismissal, spoke to the coaching staff in the England dugout.

With Rana on the field, India gained an additional bowling option, and the Kolkata Knight Riders pacer made his mark with the ball in the 12th over, dismissing Liam Livingstone. Rana struck again in the 16th over, removing Jacob Bethell for just 6 runs, and then took his third wicket when he bowled out Jamie Overton for 19, finishing with figures of 33/3.

The substitution sparked controversy, with some pointing out that it wasn’t a “like-for-like” replacement, as an out-and-out bowler was swapped in for an all-rounder. Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan expressed his frustration on X, questioning how a pure bowler could replace a part-time bowler-batter combination.

India had encountered a similar situation before, when Yuzvendra Chahal was brought in as a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja during a T20I against Australia in 2020, and went on to take three wickets, earning Player of the Match honors.

The Concussion Substitution Rule

According to Rule 1.2.7.3 of the ICC playing conditions, a concussion replacement is typically approved if the substitute is a like-for-like player, ensuring that the replacement doesn’t provide an undue advantage to the team. Rule 1.2.7.7 states that the decision made by the ICC Match Referee regarding concussion replacements is final and cannot be appealed by either team.

In 2019, Geoff Allardice, ICC’s General Manager (Cricket), elaborated on the “like-for-like” concept, explaining that the assessment varies depending on the situation, particularly the role the injured player would have played in the remainder of the match.