Controversy Over India's Concussion Substitute Choice

The decision to substitute Harshit Rana for Shivam Dube in the fourth T20I between India and England has sparked widespread controversy. Dube, who was hit on the helmet, was replaced under concussion protocols by Rana, who played a key role in India's victory by taking three wickets. Critics argue that Rana, a specialist bowler, was not a 'like-for-like' replacement for Dube, an all-rounder, leading to accusations of unfair advantage. England’s captain, Jos Buttler, and former players like Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook have voiced their disapproval, with Buttler notably questioning the adherence to the concussion regulation. Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin also criticized the decision, suggesting it was a 'pure cricketing miscalculation' and that Ramandeep Singh would have been a more appropriate substitute. Despite the criticism, Kevin Pietersen defended Rana, emphasizing that the decision was not Rana's fault and praising his performance.