Controversial Concussion Swap: Harshit Rana Replaces Shivam Dube As Substitute

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• Feb 1, 2025 | Parikalpita Gogoi

Digital Desk: Controversy erupted among fans, former cricketers, and cricket specialists as Indian pacer Harshit Rana replaced all-rounder Shivam Dube as a concussion substitute in the fourth T20I against England in Pune. The decision of match referee Javagal Srinath to approve Rana as a like-for-like replacement did not go well with several cricketers including England skipper Jos Buttler.

Rana's inclusion, following Dube's concussion, dominated the discussions of TV commentators. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen condemned the decision on air.  

As per 1.2.7.3 of the ICC playing conditions for concussing substitution, "The ICC Match Referee should ordinarily approve a Concussion Replacement Request if the replacement is a like-for-like player whose inclusion will not excessively advantage his team for the remainder of the match."

However, Rule 1.2.7.7 says, "The decision of the ICC Match Referee in relation to any Concussion Replacement Request shall be final and neither team shall have any right to appeal."

England skipper Jos Buttler refused the replacement of Rana as a concussion substitute. Jos said that the England team was not ready to accept Harshit Rana replacing Shivam Dube. He added that Harshit was not a like-to-like replacement for Dube. The England team would have won the match if Dube had not been replaced by Rana.

Taking to X, Michael Vaughan said, "How can an out & out bowler replace a batter who bowls part-time!!!!!!"

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra took to X and wrote, "It's not really a like-for-like replacement if Harshit bowls....which he should. Ramandeep was the ideal 'concussion replacement' for Dube."

Former England captain Alastair Cook spoke to TNT Sports and said, "Replacing a big-hitting batting all-rounder, who has bowled one over in the IPL, with a guy who can't bat and bowls heavy seam makes no sense to me whatsoever."

Rana became the first Indian cricketer to make his debut as a concussion substitute in the controversial fourth T20I match. His dominant performance in the match helped India to win the match by 15 runs and take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.