Moises Henriques Questions Whether Yuzvendra Chahal Was A Like-For-Like Replacement For Ravindra Jadeja

All-rounder Moises Henriques has said that Australia does not have an issue with India opting for a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja. The only issue that they have is the nature of the replacement that the Virat Kohli-led team-management resorted to, alluding to the fact that an all-rounder was replaced by a genuine bowler in Yuzvendra Chahal.

Yuzvendra Chahal was named as the concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja after the all-rounder had complained of dizziness after he coped a blow on the helmet by a Mitchell Starc bouncer during the final over of the Indian innings.

Chahal’s inclusion as ‘concussion substitute’ proved to be the defining moment in the game as the leg-spinner spun Australian batsmen into a tizzy during his spell of 3-23 in four overs. Chahal claimed crucial wickets of Aaron Finch, Steve Smith, and Matthew Wade and walked away with the ‘Player of the Match’ award, thus becoming the first-ever concussion substitute to achieve the same.

‘From our point as a player you’ve just got to roll and get on with it. Once a decision has been made you just move forward and do what you can to win the fixture. When you’ve got professionals in place to make those decisions, and there’s no doubt he got a knock on the helmet, so from my point of view I do like to try and see the best in everyone. But having said that, whether it was a like-for-like replacement, that’s the only thing moving forward, that’s the question we’d like to see.”Moises Henriques was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

While Australian head coach Justin Langer made his displeasure known after he was seen having an animated chat with match-referee David Boon, skipper Aaron Finch in the post-match interview said that he had no reason to not believe the medical staff. Henriques concurred with his captain but questioned the nature of replacement.

”Like for like, from my point of view, it would definitely be one’s an allrounder and a gun fielder, and the other one is an out-and-out bowler who bats [at] 11. That’s the only thing from my point of view. I’d like to look into if that’s a like-for-like decision.” Moises Henriques said.

As far as the concussion substitute laws are concerned, India was well within its right to name Chahal as the replacement.

”In assessing whether the nominated concussion replacement should be considered a like-for-like player, the ICC Match Referee should consider the likely role the concussed player would have played during the remainder of the match, and the normal role that would be performed by the nominated concussion replacement.” the rule states.

Also Read- Ravindra Jadeja Was Feeling A Little Dizzy Once He Entered The Dressing Room: Sanju Samson