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Published 15:48 IST, February 1st 2025

Dispute Erupts Over Harshit Rana's Implementation As India's Concussion Sub As Ex-India Star Seeks Clarity Over Rules

England veterans were baffled over the fact that seamer Harshit Rana was brought in as the concussion substitute for all-rounder Shivam Dube in the 4th T20I.

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Harshit Rana
India's Harshit Rana celebrates the wicket of England's Jamie Overton during the fourth T20 cricket match between England and India in Pune | Image: AP Photo

The implementation of Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube caused quite a stir over the internet. Questions have risen over Team India's win in the 4th T20I, which allowed them to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. Rana made his debut as a concussion sub, and he was an instant hit for the Indian side as he finished the game with figures of 4-0-33-3. As impressive as it may sound, the bowler's implementation has caused controversy as a former India cricketer has raised concern over the situation.

Ex-India Opener Questions Team Bringing In Harshit Rana For Shivam Dube

Akash Chopra was baffled by Team India bringing in Harshit Rana as a concussion replacement for Shivam Dube. India opener sought clarification on the rule before it might come back to haunt Team India in the future during an ICC tournament knockout.

“This ‘concussion sub’ rule with the ‘like for like’ clause has opened a Pandora’s box. Substitution has to be allowed by the Match Referee. Team asking for it has to propose name/s. Yesterday’s decision left some questions unanswered— Say if Tilak got subbed—would it be okay to bring Sundar in the second innings? If Abhishek got subbed—Can India replace him with Jadeja/Axar as a bowler in the second innings? Asking these questions now because India could be at the receiving end in the future…say in an ICC knockout game…and instead of crying foul then..it’s best to make some noise now,” Akash Chopra tweeted on ‘X’.

Also Read: SCARED Moin Khan Asks Pakistan Players Not to be Friendly With Rohit Sharma-Led Team India During ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Michael Vaughan Baffled Over Rana's Inclusion

Vaughan also expressed his confusion over the Harshit Rana situation, as he said that the seamer's implementation was beyond his understanding.

“How did they found that Harshit Rana was a like-for-like replacement for Shivam Dube, and an out-and-out bowler to replace a batter who bowls part-time is beyond me. He gets three for 33, got key wickets at key times.

“England would have done the same, by the way, if they had the chance to replace a player for the same kind of player that India did in the end. But Harshit Rana can’t be a like-for-like replacement for Shivam Dube,” Michael Vaughan said while speaking to Cricbuzz.

Also Read: Will ICC Chairman Jay Shah Visit Pakistan For Champions Trophy 2025? PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi Provides Update

Updated 16:33 IST, February 1st 2025