Cook, Vaughan question match officials amid Dube-Rana concussion controversy
What's the story
India's win over England in the fourth T20I was marred by a controversial decision to use Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube.
The incident happened during the final over of India's innings when Dube was struck on the helmet by Jamie Overton.
Despite an initial on-field assessment clearing him to continue, India later brought in Rana as his replacement.
The move has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from former England captains Sir Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan.
Cook's reaction
Cook calls India's substitution decision 'absolute madness'
Cook told TNT Sports that replacing a batting all-rounder like Dube with Rana, a fast bowler, made no sense to him.
He called out the move stating, "It seems absolute madness that you are allowed to do it".
However, he did commend Rana's stunning debut performance stating, "But credit to the lad on debut, but he shouldn't be allowed to play there."
Vaughan's perspective
Vaughan echoes Cook's sentiments on social media
Vaughan echoed Cook's sentiments, taking to social media to express his disbelief.
He asked how a specialist bowler like Rana could replace a part-time bowler and batter like Dube.
The controversy arises from the ICC regulations which state concussion substitutes should be replacements, a criterion England believes wasn't met in this case considering the stark differences in playing styles.
"How can an out & out bowler replace a batter who bowls part time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" he wrote on 'X' regarding this.
Twitter Post
Here is Vaughan's post!
How can an out & out bowler replace a batter who bowls part time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #INDvsENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 31, 2025
Match-winning debut
Rana's debut performance seals victory for India
Despite the controversy, Rana delivered a match-winning performance on his T20I debut. He dismissed three key England players and returned figures of 3-33 in his four overs.
With just 12 balls remaining and England needing 25 runs, Rana was trusted with the penultimate over.
He conceded only six runs and took another wicket, effectively securing India's victory in the crucial match.
Debut reflections
Rana describes debut as 'dream' despite controversy
Despite the controversy surrounding it, Rana described his debut as a dream come true.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir informed him about his inclusion as a concussion substitute two overs into England's chase.
"It is still a dream debut for me," Rana told broadcasters after India's victory in the fourth T20I in Pune.
The win has now helped India seal the five-match series against England.