Pune, Feb 1: India’s 15-run victory over England in the fourth T20I at the MCA Stadium on Friday, January 31, has sparked controversy after Harshit Rana was brought in as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube. The decision has drawn criticism from former England captains Michael Vaughan and Alastair Cook, along with ex-batsman Kevin Pietersen, who questioned whether the substitution adhered to the rules.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Michael Vaughan was among the first to question the decision, criticizing the match referee’s assessment.
“I don’t understand how Harshit Rana can be considered a like-for-like replacement for Shivam Dube. He’s a specialist bowler replacing a batting all-rounder who bowls occasionally. If England had the opportunity, they might have done the same, but that doesn’t justify it,” Vaughan remarked.
Kevin Pietersen also expressed his discontent, pointing out England captain Jos Buttler’s frustration with the decision. “Jos Buttler was furious about it even before getting out. He went straight to the dugout and had a discussion with the coach because he felt it was unfair,” Pietersen said.
Alastair Cook echoed these concerns, emphasizing the mismatch in roles between the two players. “It makes no sense that a big-hitting all-rounder is replaced by a bowler who can’t bat. Rana bowled well on debut, but he shouldn’t have been allowed to bowl in the first place,” Cook stated. (Agencies)
