The fourth IND vs ENG T20I match brought up some questions. Specifically, cricket enthusiasts have been wondering why Harshit Rana was able to bowl, despite being a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube. The cricketing world follows specific rules when it comes to these scenarios, and in this case, they dictated Rana’s actions.
According to the International Cricket Council, a player who comes on as a substitute due to another player’s concussion can fully participate in the match, providing they are identified as a like-for-like replacement. In this instance, Rana, a bowler, was deemed an appropriate substitute for Dube, who is also a bowler. Thus, the replacement proceeded according to the rules set
Sports medicine experts specializing in concussion procedures back the guidelines set by the ICC. They emphasize that concussion substitutes are introduced to uphold player safety, without compromising the game. The like-for-like replacement rule is to maintain balance in the skills available to a team.
This implementation of substitution mid-match came into effect after the tragic death of Australian player, Phil Hughes in 2014. His unfortunate passing from an injury during a Sheffield Shield match led to a re-evaluation of player safety protocols. Now, any player who suffers a hit to the head during a game must undergo an immediate concussion test. Following which, the team’s medical staff decides whether a substitute should be brought in or not.
So, the decision to let Harshit Rana bowl after coming in as a concussion substitution for Shivam Dube in the fourth IND vs ENG T20I did not break any rules, rather it followed ICC guidelines precisely.
Last modified: January 31, 2025
