Kevin Pietersen backs Harshit Rana amid concussion-sub controversy
What's the story
Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has voiced support for Indian pacer Harshit Rana amid the controversy surrounding his role as a concussion substitute in the fourth T20I against England in Pune.
The debate arose after Rana replaced Shivam Dube, who was struck on the helmet during the final over of India's first innings.
Though not in the original playing XI, Rana took three wickets on his debut and played a crucial role in India's win.
Here's more.
Debut debate
Rana's debut sparks controversy
Rana's T20I debut was anything but conventional, as he became the first Indian player to debut as a concussion substitute.
The bizarre situation led to a controversy with cricket experts questioning if Rana was the right replacement for Dube.
However, all the debate aside, Rana bowled brilliantly, taking three wickets and helping India clinch a 15-run triumph and the series over England.
Performance appraisal
Pietersen praises Rana's performance
Following Rana's brilliant debut, Pietersen lauded the young fast bowler for reading the conditions well.
Speaking on Star Sports after the Pune T20I, he said, "No, Harshit's performance was great. I thought that he delivered his skill excellently."
Pietersen went on to add stating, "And for his cricket, he was outstanding, and it's not his fault that he was the one who ended up being the concussion substitute. He went there and he bowled his heart."
Match impact
Rana's crucial role in India's victory
Rana's impact on the match was immense with his consistent strikes in the middle overs.
He sent Liam Livingstone back with just his second ball and also picked up the wickets of Jacob Bethell and Jamie Overton, which turned out to be the final nail in England's coffin.
His performance helped India defend their score of 181, winning by 15 runs and seal the five-match series 3-1 in Pune.
Official query
Pietersen questions match officials' decision
Despite his praise for Rana, Pietersen did question the decision of match officials to allow Rana as a concussion substitute for Dube.
He asked whether "it was like for like" and predicted that this would become a significant discussion point if England were defeated, which ultimately happened.
Meanwhile, the final T20I between India and England is set to take place on Sunday at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium.