Jos Buttler questions clarity of concussion substitution after England's loss to India

England captain Jos Buttler has raised concerns over the legality of India’s concussion substitution during the 4th T20I match between England and India in Pune. India replaced Shivam Dube with Harshit Rana, a decision that allowed them to bring in a fast bowler in place of an all-rounder. The substitution worked in India’s favor, as Rana took three key wickets, helping India win by 15 runs and take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, much to the frustration of Buttler.

The controversy began when Dube was struck on the helmet by a bouncer from England’s Jamie Overton in the final over of India’s innings. Dube, who had scored 53 runs off 34 balls to help India reach a competitive total of 182, was later withdrawn under the ICC's concussion protocol. India then replaced him with Harshit Rana, who went on to make a significant impact, taking three wickets as England collapsed to 166 all out.

Buttler, speaking after the match, strongly disagreed with the decision, questioning whether Rana was truly a "like-for-like" replacement for Dube.

“It is not a like-for-like replacement,” Buttler said. “Either Shivam Dube has put on about 25mph with the ball, or Harshit has really improved his batting,” he added. He also mentioned that England had not been consulted about the substitution. “I was walking out to bat and only then realized that Harshit was on as a concussion replacement. We will definitely be seeking clarity on this decision,” Buttler added.

Under the ICC's concussion substitution rule (Clause 1.2.7.4), a replacement player must be “like-for-like” and should not give the team an unfair advantage. The match referee approved the substitution, but Buttler and other members of the England team expressed their frustration, claiming that the rule had been exploited for tactical advantage. While Dube is a batting all-rounder who occasionally bowls medium pace, Rana is a fast bowler, consistently clocking speeds above 140kph.

The substitution was also questioned by former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen, who said during live TV commentary, “If you ask anyone whether Harshit Rana is a like-for-like replacement for Shivam Dube, I don’t think you’ll get a yes. The England dressing room will not be happy with this.” 

However, India’s assistant coach, Morne Morkel, defended the decision, stating that the final call rested with the match referee.

Despite the controversy, Buttler acknowledged that England had their chances to win the game but failed to capitalize. The loss gave India a 3-1 lead in the five-match series ahead of the final T20I, scheduled for February 2 in Mumbai.