Harshit Rana [Source: AP Photos]
India are playing against England in a tense and exciting fourth T20I at the MCA in Pune. England won the toss for the game and opted to field first in the game.
India were put in the back foot after Saqib Mahmood picked up the first three wickets of the opposition pretty early. However, after this Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya's rescue. The duo stitched a innings saving partnership and took India's total to a fighting 181/9 at the end of the 20 overs.
In the chase, England started well with their openers giving them a brilliant start. However, the Indian spinners bowled brilliantly and brought India back into the game. In the middle phase of the game, something happened that became a point of controversy in the game.
Harshit Rana Comes In As A Concussion Substitute For Shivam Dube
While batting Shivam Dube was stuck on his helmet. After which concussion test was done on him and later the Indian physio requested for a substitute. When it was allowed, India used Harshit Rana as the substitute, who came in and immediately picked up the crucial wicket of Liam Livingstone.
As the wicket of Livingstone fell unrest was noticed in the English camp and even the English commentators. The fact that whether Rana was a like to like replacement for Dube was questioned again and again.
So, did India cheat by taking advantage of the concussion substitute rule? What is the rule exactly? Let us find out -
What Is The Concussion Substitute Rule?
The concussion substitute rule was introduced by ICC in 2019. It stated that in case of concussion injuries, a team can bring in 'like-to-like' replacement for the player if the match referee approves.
This is what the ICC playing conditions state -
ICC Playing Conditions
1.2.8.1 In assessing whether the nominated Concussion Replacement should be considered a like-for-like player, the ICC Match Referee should consider the likely role the concussed player would have played during the remainder of the match, and the normal role that would be performed by the nominated Concussion Replacement.
1.2.8.2 If the ICC Match Referee believes that the inclusion of the nominated Concussion Replacement, when performing their normal role, would excessively advantage their team, the Match Referee may impose such conditions upon the identity and involvement of the Concussion Replacement as he/she sees fit, in line with the overriding objective of facilitating a like-for-like replacement for the concussed player.
Did India Cheat In The 4th T20I vs ENG?
Technically - It is stated that the remaining role of the player going out could be played by the player coming in. So being an all-rounder, Dube would have only bowled in the second innings. Hence, technically replacing Rana with Dube is apparently not cheating
Ability wise - Well Shivam Dube has picked up 52 wickets in his 153 T20 matches, while having an economy of 8.87. He has a bowling average of 32.62 and an economy of 22.
On the other hand, Harshit Rana has picked up 28 wickets in 25 matches, while an economy of 8.94. Rana's average in the T20s is that of 23.64 and a strike rate of 15.8.
If we look at the stats, the we can see average, strike rate and economy wise they are quite close. However, given the fact that in 153 matches Dube has picked up only 52 wickets, it is clear that he bowls much less than Rana. Hence, ability wise we can say that India did find a loophole in the rule and used it to their advantage.
However, that being said, Javagal Srinath, the match referee had the option to deny India's request. So it was approved by an official and we cannot directly blame India of cheating.