Jos Buttler Questions India’s Concussion Substitution in Pune T20I: ‘Not a Like-for-Like Replacement’
Jos Buttler Questions India's Concussion Substitution in Pune T20I: ‘Not a Like-for-Like Replacement’
IND vs ENG: England captain Jos Buttler has criticized the match referee’s decision to allow Harshit Rana to replace concussed Shivam Dube in the fourth T20I in Pune, questioning whether it was a fair substitution.
England Falls 15 Runs Short as India Seals Series Win
India secured the series victory (3-1) after a 15-run win on Friday, with both Dube and his concussion substitute Rana making crucial contributions. Dube, playing his first game of the series, scored a crucial 53 off 34 balls before being forced off due to a concussion from a Jamie Overton bouncer in the final over of India’s innings.
However, Harshit Rana, a specialist seamer, was brought in as his replacement, raising concerns over the decision’s validity. Rana proved to be a game-changer, dismissing Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Jamie Overton, finishing with 3/33 in four overs.
Buttler: ‘It Wasn’t a Fair Substitution’
Speaking after the match, Buttler expressed his discontent, stating:
“Either Shivam Dube has put on 25mph with the ball, or Harshit Rana’s really improved his batting. We don’t agree with the decision. It was not a like-for-like replacement.”
He further revealed that England was not consulted on the decision:
“As I came out to bat, I asked who Harshit was replacing, and they said it was a concussion sub. We had no say in it, and the match referee made the call. We’ll ask Javagal [Srinath] for clarity on this.”
Despite the controversy, Buttler admitted that England had their chances:
“It wasn’t the sole reason we lost; we should have won the game. But we’d like more transparency on the ruling.”
England Seeks Clarity on Concussion Substitutes
With Dube being a batting all-rounder and Rana primarily a bowler, England is expected to raise concerns with the ICC over concussion substitute regulations ahead of the final T20I.
