Did India just introduce the IPL’s Impact Player rule into international cricket? That’s the question England is asking after a controversial substitution in the fourth T20I in Pune.
Shivam Dube, after smashing 53 off 34 balls, was replaced by Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute. Harshit then turned the game in India’s favor by taking three wickets. England, however, believes this was far from a like-for-like replacement. While Dube is a batting all-rounder who barely bowled in the IPL, Harshit is a specialist fast bowler.
Under ICC rules, concussion substitutes must match the role of the replaced player—batsman for batsman, bowler for bowler. But here, India seemingly got the best of both worlds: Dube’s runs and Harshit’s bowling.
England captain Jos Buttler did not hide his frustration. “Either Dube has suddenly increased his bowling speed by 25 kmph, or Harshit has drastically improved his batting,” he remarked sarcastically. He further stated that England was not consulted and that they would seek clarification from match referee Javagal Srinath.
Assistant coach Morne Morkel admitted even India wasn’t entirely sure about the decision, saying, “We approached the match referee, and he made the call.”
With Harshit’s three wickets proving decisive in India’s 15-run victory, England is left questioning whether India played with an unfair advantage. Buttler even joked, “Maybe next match, I’ll say we’re playing with 12 players too.”
