There is significant controversy in the cricket world regarding match Referee Javagal Srinath’s decision to permit the concussion replacement of Harshit Rana with Shivam Dube during the fourth T20I between India and England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Friday, January 31. Various debates are emerging about the appropriateness of the replacement, as the frontline pacer is set to replace the batting all-rounder Dube.

Dube had made a great comeback, scoring a magnificent half-century and helping India navigate a tricky situation. Unfortunately, on the penultimate delivery of India’s innings, a short ball from Jamie Overton struck Dube on his helmet. Unable to continue in the second innings, Dube was forced to leave the field, prompting the use of the concussion substitute rule to bring in Harshit Rana.
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The 23-year-old debutant, marking the first time an Indian has played in this capacity, shocked not just the home team but seemingly several members of the Indian squad as well. He made a significant impact by taking three wickets in the match, leading India to a 15-run victory and securing a 3-1 series win.

Not everyone has this opinion about Rana. Many experts and former players questioned why a bowling specialist was chosen to replace a player known for his batting contributions. However, former England great Kevin Pietersen came to Rana’s defence.
Speaking on Star Sports after the match, Pietersen praised the young pacer, stating, “No, Harshit’s performance was great. I thought that he delivered his skill excellently. He read the conditions very well, especially when he went out wide on a couple of occasions. He was brilliant and bowled his heart out. It’s not his fault that he was the one who ended up being the concussion substitute.”
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With this win, India holds an unassailable 3-1 advantage in the five-match series. All focus will be on how both teams plan their strategies for the final T20I, set to take place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday, February 2.