Harshit Rana made his T20I debut for India under unusual circumstances when he was brought in as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the 4th match of the series in Pune on Friday. The decision sparked controversy online, with experts questioning the substitution of a pacer for an all-rounder, as it did not appear to be a like-for-like replacement.
However, Rana remained unfazed by the concussion controversy, saying that it was a dream debut for him as he picked three wickets in Pune T20I. “It is still a dream debut for me. When Dube came back, after two overs I was informed I would be the concussion substitute. It is not just for this series; I have been waiting for an opportunity for a long time and I wanted to prove I belong here. I have bowled well in the IPL and was just following the same here,” Rana told the broadcasters after the Pune T20I.
Rana made an immediate impact upon taking the field in the 8th over, grabbing a crucial catch to dismiss England skipper Jos Buttler. Buttler was visibly displeased and was later seen having a discussion with the England coaching staff in the dugout.
With Rana in the playing XI, India gained an extra bowling option, and the Kolkata Knight Riders pacer delivered with the ball as well. In the 12th over, he dismissed Liam Livingstone, followed by another crucial wicket in the 16th over when he sent Jacob Bethell back for just 6 runs. He claimed his third wicket in the 18th over, clean-bowling Jamie Overton for 19. Rana finished with impressive bowling figures of 3 for 33, making a strong case for himself in international cricket.
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Despite the controversy surrounding his inclusion, Rana’s performance played a key role in India’s victory. His composed reaction to the criticism and his match-winning contribution indicate a promising future for the young pacer on the international stage.
Rana being picked as the replacement did not sit right with many fans, as well as former cricketer Kevin Pietersen, who was commenting during the game. Pietersen stated that India were essentially playing with 12 players, as Harshit Rana was a full-time pacer, while Dube was a batting all-rounder in the Indian team.
Pietersen said that the replacement needed to be questioned as the ICC rules allowed only like-for-like players as concussion substitutes in international cricket. Pietersen called upon ICC’s clause 1.2.7.3.4 which states the same.
“…identify the requested Concussion Replacement, who shall be a like-for-like replacement for the player who
has sustained the concussion or suspected concussion,” the ICC rulebook says relating to the nature of concussion substitute.
