"India could be at receiving end": Aakash Chopra raises tough questions on concussion sub controversy

Former India National Cricket Team player Aakash Chopra talked about the concussion substitute rule after the fourth T20I against the England National Cricket Team. He said that there needs to be clarity because it could trouble India in some ICC events.

The India National Cricket Team made a massive concussion substitute during the fourth T20I of the series against the England National Cricket Team. This came after Shivam Dube coped a massive blow on his head during the last over of the Indian innings when Jamie Overton was bowling.

The decision to play Harshit Rana in place of Dube almost drew many reactions

It was expected that Ramandeep Singh would be on the field because, as per the concussion substitute, only a like-to-like replacement is allowed. However, in what was a massive surprise, Harshit Rana was added to the team, and the fast bowler made his debut for the India National Cricket Team.

The decision to play Harshit Rana in place of Dube almost drew many reactions from fans and pundits. Many were of the opinion that it was not a 'like for like' replacement. The pacer turned out to be a game-changer as he picked three wickets and helped India National Cricket Team win the match.

Instead of crying foul then..it’s best to make some noise now - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra talked about the rule and asked some questions, saying that India could be at the receiving end of this in some crucial ICC events. He said that instead of ranting that time, it is better to have answers now. Taking to his Twitter account, he said:

"This ‘concussion sub’ rule with the ‘like for like’ clause has opened a Pandora’s box. Substitution has to be allowed by the Match Referee. The team asking for it has to propose name/s. Yesterday’s decision left some questions unanswered— Say if Tilak got subbed—would it be okay to bring Sundar in the second innings?

"If Abhishek got subbed—Can India replace him with Jadeja/Axar as a bowler in the second innings? Asking these questions now because India could be at the receiving end in the future…say in an ICC knockout game…and instead of crying foul then..it’s best to make some noise now."

This ‘concussion sub’ rule with the ‘like for like’ clause has opened a Pandora’s box. Substitution has to be allowed by the Match Referee. Team asking for it has to propose name/s.
Yesterday’s decision left some questions unanswered—
Say if Tilak got subbed—would it be okay to…

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 1, 2025

In effect, we played with 12 people - Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra also admitted that the India National Cricket Team used the wrong ploy. He stressed that Harshit Rana coming in place of Shivam Dube wasn't a like-to-like replacement, adding that Suryakumar Yadav-led side played with 12 people. He added:

"He bowls once in a while at a speed of 115 to 120-odd kph. He doesn't bowl regularly. Harshit Rana is an out-and-out fast bowler who bowls at 140-145 kph and bat a little at times. This is the reality,"

"Shivam Dube batted, scored 53 runs as well, went out and when it was the turn to bowl, Harshit Rana bowled the entire four overs and picked up three wickets, and he won the game for India. In effect, we played with 12 people."

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