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India’s use of Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dubey in the Pune T20 against England sparked controversy
Harshit Rana took 3 wickets for 33 runs in 4 overs. (AP File)
The Indian cricket team’s decision to field Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dubey during the Pune T20 match against England sparked controversy. Dubey was struck on the helmet while batting and did not bowl afterwards, paving the way for Rana’s T20 International debut.
Rana played a crucial role in India’s victory, claiming three wickets. While he officially played as a concussion substitute, some have labelled him an ‘impact player’, raising questions about the distinction between the two.
In the Pune T20, India batted first and scored 181 runs for 9 wickets. England’s team, chasing the target, was restricted to 166 runs in 19.4 overs. Harshit Rana took 3 wickets for 33 runs in 4 overs. Ravi Bishnoi took 3 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs. Varun Chakravarthy took 2 wickets, while Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh dismissed one English batsman each. India won the match by 15 runs, taking a 3-1 lead in the series.
Following the match, England captain Jos Buttler expressed concerns over the selection of Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dubey. Buttler contended that the replacement was not a like-for-like substitution.
What Is A Concussion Substitute?
The ICC has implemented a provision allowing teams to replace seriously injured players during a match with a player from the designated probable list. This provision ensures that teams are not disadvantaged by unforeseen injuries. In the case of a head injury, a concussion substitute can be fielded, adhering to the same principle.
ICC rules stipulate that the replacement player should possess similar abilities to the injured player. This means a bowler should be replaced by a bowler, a batsman by a batsman, and so on, ensuring a fair contest. This provision covers all player roles, including wicketkeepers and all-rounders.
What Is An Impact Player?
The impact player rule, used in the Indian Premier League, allows teams to make a tactical substitution during a match. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not yet adopted this rule for international matches. This rule permits both teams, between the first and second innings, to substitute one player on their roster with another. This allows for strategic changes, such as replacing a batsman with a bowler after the first innings.
What Is The Difference Between A Concussion Substitute And An Impact Player?
The two rules are distinct. Concussion substitutes must be like-for-like players, while impact players offer greater flexibility. If a batsman suffers a concussion and leaves the field, the substitute can only field. In contrast, an impact player might be a bowler replacing a batsman from the first innings, allowing them to bowl a full four overs in a T20 match.
