Jos Buttler questions India's concussion substitute in 4th T20I
What's the story
India's move to bring in Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the fourth T20I against England has sparked a debate.
England skipper Jos Buttler disagreed with the move post-match, saying it didn't make for a like-for-like replacement.
"It is not a like-for-like replacement. We don't agree with that," said Buttler after India registered a 15-run win.
Here's more.
Decision
'We disagree with the decision'
Buttler said England should have won the match as they disagree with Rana coming on as a sub.
"Either Shivam Dube has put on about 25 mph with the ball or Harshit's really improved his batting. It's part of the game and we really should have gone on to win the match, but we disagree with the decision."
Commentary concerns
Commentators echo Buttler's sentiment on substitute decision
The substitution was also questioned by television commentators Kevin Pietersen and Nick Knight.
Dube, who had scored a half-century after walking in at 57/4, was hit on the helmet twice during his innings.
He didn't return for the chase, prompting India to bring in Rana as a substitute.
"He [Rana] is not the like-to-like replacement for Shivam Dube," Pietersen had said on air.
Debut impact
Rana's debut performance amid controversy
Despite the controversy over his inclusion, Rana made a mark on his T20I debut. He was introduced into the attack in the 12th over and picked three wickets.
His effort helped India win by 15 runs and take the series lead by 3-1.
"When Dube came back, two overs into the chase, I was told [about being the concussion substitute]," Rana said after the match.
Dube
Dube scores 53 for Team India
Team India earned an impressive win over England in the 4th T20I. India, who were in a spot of bother, finished with a score of 181/9. Dube and Hardik Pandya slammed fifties.
Dube's 53 came from 34 balls. He hit 7 fours and two sixes (SR: 155.88).
Notably, he didn't take the field after being hit on the head in the 20th over of India's innings.