India secured a 15-run victory over England to clinch the T20I series, but the focus shifted to a controversial concussion substitution that saw pacer Harshit Rana replace all-rounder Shivam Dube. The decision, which was approved by the match referee, left England frustrated, with former captains Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan publicly questioning the move.

The incident unfolded in the final over of India’s innings, when Dube, who had scored a vital 53, was struck on the helmet by a bouncer from Jamie Overton. After being assessed on the field, Dube was cleared to face the last delivery, but India was later allowed to bring in Harshit as his concussion substitute. This substitution enabled Rana to bowl in England’s chase, where he played a pivotal role in India’s victory.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Cook said, “Replacing a powerful batting all-rounder, who has bowled just one over in the IPL [2024], with someone who can’t bat and bowls heavy seam makes no sense to me at all.”

“It seems completely ridiculous that this is allowed, but credit to the debutant. Still, he shouldn’t have been eligible to play. It gave the captain another brilliant option.”

England’s frustration stemmed from the stark contrast between Dube and Harshit as players. While Dube is a batting all-rounder who has bowled only occasionally in recent years, Harshit is a fast bowler who consistently delivers at speeds nearing 90mph.

Under ICC regulations, concussion substitutes must be “like-for-like” replacements, a point England contested in this case. Former England captain Sir Alastair Cook was left puzzled by the decision.