NEW DELHI: India pacer Harshit Rana made historical past on Friday through the fourth match of the five-match T20I sequence in opposition to England, changing into the primary participant to make a T20I debut mid-match as a concussion substitute amongst full-member groups.
Rana changed all-rounder Shivam Dube, who was struck on the again of the pinnacle by a Jamie Overton supply within the last over of India’s innings. Whereas the transfer proved essential in India’s 15-run victory, it additionally sparked an intense debate over the equity of the substitution.
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Former England captain Michael Vaughan was among the many most vocal critics, questioning whether or not Rana was a real “like-for-like” alternative for Dube. The choice grew to become much more contentious after Rana claimed three wickets for 33 runs, enjoying a decisive position in limiting England to 166 whereas chasing India’s whole of 181.
“I’ve to say the substitute — how did they discover that Harshit Rana is a like-for-like for Shivam Dube? An out-and-out bowler changing a batter who can bowl some part-time stuff is past me,” Vaughan mentioned whereas talking on Cricbuzz. “He will get three for 33, key wickets on the key occasions… You possibly can’t promote me that Harshit Rana is a like-for-like alternative for Shivam Dube.”
India’s transfer was additionally scrutinised by former India pacer Zaheer Khan, who acknowledged that whereas groups have the suitable to appoint a participant, the match referee ought to have ensured that the alternative met the standards.
“Possibly Ramandeep [Singh] would have been the best selection,” Zaheer mentioned. “The match referee’s position was to say, ‘Okay, you have got nominated this participant, however he doesn’t go well with the standards precisely, so counsel one other participant who is definitely a batter who can bowl, relatively than a bowler who can bat.’”
Regardless of the controversy, India’s efficiency on the sector was dominant. Hardik Pandya (53) and Dube (53) rescued the group from 79 for five, forging an 87-run partnership that helped India submit a aggressive 181 for 9. In response, England faltered in opposition to India’s bowling assault, with Rana and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (Three for 56) main the cost.
The victory prolonged India’s unbeaten T20I sequence streak at house to 17 since 2019 and sealed a 3-1 sequence win over England. Nonetheless, the talk surrounding Rana’s substitution is more likely to proceed, with requires better readability in concussion alternative guidelines.
