Harshit Rana concussion Controversy: How can a Bowler substitute a Batter? Chaos after India’s victory

Controversy on Harshit replacing Shivam as they were a bowler and a batter

Harshit Rana made his debut in T20Is as he came to play the fourth T20I match between India and England as he came in as a concussion substitute. India’s all-rounder Shivam Dube was hit on helmet in the last over of Indian innings. Because of this, Harshit Rana came in the team as concussion substitute.

Harshit Rana was one of the heroes in India’s victory. He came to bowl in 12th over, and got the wicket of Liam Livingstone on his very second ball. Even though Harry Brook had scored 16 runs on three back-to-back dliveries from Rana, he did not have any chance after that.

Harshit then dismissed Jacob Bethell, and later came back to bowl and ensured India’s victory as he dismissed Jamir Overton on last ball of 19th over. In the four overs he bowled for India, Harshit mad numbers of 3 for 33.

ICC’s rule regarding concussion substitutes is that only like-to-like replacements can be made. This means that the kind of player who leaves should be the same as the player who will come in. Dube is a batting all-rounder who rarely bowls. Harshit on the other hand, is a fast bowler.

For this reason, a chaos has started after India secured their victory. Former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote on X, “How can an out & out bowler replace a batter who bowls part time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Alastair Cook also stated that he does not understand how they allowed Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube.