Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reminded cricket supporters of the 2020 T20 International (T20I) match played between Australia and India in Canberra. Recalling the old game, Ashwin endeavoured to draw the similarity with the India versus England game played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune. In the second innings of the fourth T20I, Harshit Rana replaced Shivam Dube as a concussion substitute. Dube, who was hit on his body twice by England bowlers, didn’t return to the field in the second innings and his unavailability proved beneficial for Team India as the pacer claimed 3/33 figures in his four-over spell.

Following the game, England captain Jos Buttler exhibited displeasure over Rana’s inclusion in the game, saying the speedster was not a like-for-like concussion sub. Former England batters Kevin Pietersen and Michael Vaughan also raised questions on the incident that took place in the Pune contest. Recalling the 2020 Australia versus India clash, Ashwin took on X and posted how the leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, a specialist bowler, superseded the ruled-out all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the first of three T20Is played down under on December 4, 2020. Similar to Rana, the leggie also bagged three wickets and guided India to a 11-run triumph. Chahal also received the Player of the Match award. 

Ashwin wants reforms on like-to-like concussion replacement following the fourth T20I between India and England

Ashwin feels Ramandeep Singh would’ve been an ideal replacement for Dube. He also urged the apex cricketing body International Cricket Council (ICC) to revisit its law regarding the concussion rule. 

“This is a case of pure cricketing miscalculation, either on the part of the umpires or the part of the match referee. Ramandeep Singh was there, like-for-like for Shivam Dube. But not him. Harshit Rana was chosen as the concussion substitute. I think people in charge should look into this.”

He added, “Here, Harshit came in for Shivam Dube. There is no role of the Indian or England team. If there is no one in the squad, then you can say that Harshit Rana can bat a bit and Shivam Dube can bowl a bit. That's why we brought him in. Like-for-like replacement Ramandeep Singh was sitting outside. I don't understand.” 

Following the 15-run win against England in Pune, India have now taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series. The Suryakumar Yadav-led team will play their final T20I against England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on February 2.