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Buttler Criticizes India’s Concussion Substitution in Fourth T20I
India Clinches Series Amid Controversy Over Concussion Replacement
India secured a 15-run victory against England in the fourth T20I in Pune, sealing a 3-1 series lead. However, the win wasn’t without controversy, as England captain Jos Buttler strongly criticized India’s use of a concussion substitute.
Shivam Dube, who played a crucial role with the bat, was replaced by Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute, a move that didn’t sit well with the England camp. Buttler openly questioned the fairness of the replacement, arguing that Rana’s inclusion provided India with an undue advantage.
Buttler Unhappy With Match Referee’s Decision
No Consultation Over Concussion Substitution
Speaking after the game, Buttler expressed frustration over the lack of consultation in approving the substitute.
“Either Shivam Dube has put on about 25 mph with the ball, or Harshit has really improved his batting. It’s not a like-for-like replacement, and we don’t agree with that decision.”
According to ICC rules, a concussion substitute must be a like-for-like replacement, ensuring that the substitute does not give the team an excessive advantage. However, Buttler and the England management believed that Rana’s bowling ability shifted the balance in India’s favor.
England Demands Clarity on Decision-Making Process
Buttler emphasized that he wasn’t informed about the decision until he walked out to bat. He stated that match referee Javagal Srinath approved the substitution without any input from England’s management.
“We had no say in it. We’ll definitely ask some questions to get clarity on the matter. It wasn’t the reason we lost the match, but we still feel it wasn’t a fair call.”
The Impact of Harshit Rana’s Inclusion
From First T20I to Match-Winning Performance
Harshit Rana, who had not played a T20I before this match, made an immediate impact with the ball. The right-arm pacer took three crucial wickets—dismissing Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Jamie Overton. His strikes played a significant role in England’s batting collapse as they slumped from 62/0 to 166 all out.
Although Buttler acknowledged that Rana wasn’t the sole reason for England’s defeat, he maintained that the replacement helped India secure victory.
“No, he didn’t win the game on his own, but he helped.”
India Defends Concussion Substitution Decision
Morne Morkel Explains the Indian Camp’s Perspective
Responding to England’s complaints, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel clarified that the team followed the ICC guidelines and had no control over the final decision.
“Shivam took a knock on the helmet and reported mild headache symptoms at the innings break. We submitted a name to the match referee, and from there, the decision was out of our hands. The referee approved Harshit as the substitute.”
Morkel further revealed that Rana was caught off guard by the call-up, as he was having dinner when informed about his sudden inclusion.
“He had to get ready quickly and get onto the field. We just followed the process.”
The Debate Over Concussion Substitutes Continues
The use of concussion substitutes remains a hot topic in international cricket. While the rule is designed to prioritize player safety, the question of what constitutes a true like-for-like replacement remains subjective.
England’s frustration stems from the feeling that India gained an unfair advantage, while India maintains they simply followed ICC protocols.
As the series heads into its final match at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Sunday, the controversy is sure to add extra spice to an already intense battle.
With England eager to bounce back and India looking to close out the series on a high note, the fifth and final T20I will be one to watch. Whether the ICC will provide further clarification on this issue remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—concussion substitutes will continue to be a topic of debate in international cricket.
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