Explained: What Are Concussion Substitute Rules And Here's How Harshit Rana Was Allowed To Replace Shivam Dube In IND vs ENG 4th T20I

During the India vs England 4th T20I in Pune, one of the most eye-catching incidents transpired, when Harshit Rana came in on as a substitute player for Shivam Dube in the second innings of the game.

Rana chipped in to bowl the 12th over after replacing Dube. Soon after coming, Rana broke the fourth-wicket partnership of Liam Livingstone and Harry Brook.

India’s young pacer Harshit Rana scalped two more wickets of Jacob Bethell and Jamie Overton as he ended the game with four overs for 33. 

The BCCI confirmed that Harshit was the concussion substitute for Dube, who was hit on the helmet in the first innings by Jamie Overton. 

Earlier, Ramandeep Singh was spotted on the field for Dube as a substitute but then eventually the Indian team asked Harshit to come as a concussion substitute. 

As per rules by ICC,  a concussion substitute must be a "like-for-like" replacement for a player who is concussed. Dube is a batting all-rounder, who can also bowl if given a chance.

Harshit Rana who replaced Dube as a concussion substitute, is a specialist pace bowler which means the debate can take place as these two players are not like-for-like.

"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 ICC Match Referee should ordinarily approve a Concussion Replacement Request if the replacement is a like-for-like player whose inclusion will not excessively advantage his/her team for the remainder of the match."