Buttler challenges Harshit Rana concussion standby in fourth IND vs ENG T20I

Published at: February 1, 2025 11:55 AM

Updated at: February 3, 2025 9:13 AM

England captain Jos Buttler has raised concerns over India’s decision to bring in pacer Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube during the fourth T20I match.

The situation unfolded when Dube was struck on the helmet during the second-last ball of India’s innings. After a quick medical check-up, he was allowed to face the final ball and was run out after scoring 53 runs off 34 balls. However, he did not take the field during England’s chase of the 182-run target.

India then introduced Harshit Rana as Dube’s concussion replacement, a move that sparked debate. Buttler expressed his disagreement, stating that the substitution was not a like-for-like replacement.

“It doesn’t seem like a fair swap. Either Dube has suddenly gained extra pace as a bowler, or Rana has drastically improved his batting. It’s part of the game, and we should have won, but we don’t agree with the decision,” Buttler said after India’s 15-run victory.

He also mentioned that there was no prior discussion with his team about the replacement. “I only realized it when I came out to bat. They told me it was a concussion sub, which I didn’t agree with. The match referee made the call, and we had no input. We’ll be asking for some clarification on this,” he added.

Rana was given the ball in the 12th over of England’s innings and made an immediate impact, dismissing a key batter on his second delivery. He completed his four overs and finished with three wickets.