“A Poor Cricketing Decision”: Ashwin Reacts to Concussion Sub Controversy

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his doubts over the on-field umpires and match referee's decision to include Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the fourth T20I against England at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Harshit contributed significantly to India's 15-run win by taking three vital wickets. However, the decision to introduce him as a substitute has sparked the opposition of many cricket specialists. Jos Buttler, the England captain also shared his anger, stating that Harshit was not a “like-for-like” substitute for Dube.

Ashwin aid the officials committed a major mistake, and it seemed like they forgot it was an international match, terming it a "pure cricketing miscalculation."

“The game is done. India captured yet another series at home. T20I has been a real juggernaut of a win. What was this game? It was like a replica of the IPL. Supersub was there, and the game was played with an impact player,” Ashwin shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat

“The entire discussion is about how Harshit Rana came in as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube. Did we forget that it was an international match and play an IPL match? I can understand. It has happened in the past. Ravindra Jadeja got concussed in Canberra, and Yuzvendra Chahal came in as a substitute. I don’t understand this. At least previously, Chahal came in for Jadeja, a spinner for a spinner,” Ashwin added.

Harshit Rana turned the game around by dismissing Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Jamie Overton at crucial moments. His performance was a big contribution in helping India to clinch the match and secure an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.