Harshit Rana (Source: @BCCI/X.com)
Controversies constitute a significant part of cricket, be it from an astonishing decision or something unlawful that often crops up from time to time. This time, however, it has come up during the ongoing 4th T20I between India and England, happening in Pune, where the hosts, according to pundits, have wrongfully utilised the concussion substitute rule.
It all happened when English bowler Jamie Overton bowled a short delivery to Indian batter Shivam Dube on the penultimate ball of the first innings, which struck the southpaw right on his helmet.
What's The Controversy?
The problem began by the end of the sixth over when India suddenly sent in Harshit Rana to replace Ramandeep Singh, who was already on the field as a substitute fielder for injured Dube. However, soon after, it was officially announced that Rana replaced the all-rounder as the concussion substitute.
This followed a massive uproar from social media, especially the English camp, where skipper Jos Buttler seemed visibly fumed at the decision. By the end of the game, which India won comfortably by a margin of 15 runs, Rana picked up figures of 3/33 in his four overs that too on his debut.
He dismissed Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell and Jamie Overton in his spell to help India take the unassailable series lead of 3-1.