Harshit Rana The Right 'Like-For-Like' Concussion Sub For Shivam Dube? Here's What ICC Rule Says

India registered a thrilling victory over England in the fourth T20I match on Friday in Pune. Asked to bat first, India struggle a bit but managed to post 181/9 in 20 overs with Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube hitting half-centuries. Later, England got a terrific start but eventually fumbled against India's bowling lineup and got bundled out for 166. With this 15-run victory, India gained an unassailable 3-1 lead over England in the five-match series. Despite this win, India also sparked a small controversy during the match.

After the first innings, Shivam Dube did not take the field as he got hit by a short delivery from Jamie Overton while batting. In his place, pacer Harshit Rana came as a concussion substitute and made his T20I debut.

Rana made immediate impact in the game and walked away with the figures of 3/33. However, Rana coming-in as the replacement of Dube left many former cricketers, including England skipper Jos Buttler unhappy.

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan took to X (formerly Twitter) and pointed out that pacer Rana cannot be a 'like-for-like' replacement of all-rounder Dube.

"How can an out & out bowler replace a batter who bowls part time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!," Vaughan posted on X.

How can an out & out bowler replace a batter who bowls part time !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #INDvsENG

What does the rulebook says?

Rule 1.2.7.3 of the ICC playing conditions for concussion substitution states: "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 team for the remainder of the match."

Rule 1.2.7.7 states: "The decision of the ICC Match Referee in relation to any Concussion Replacement Request