Ex-England Captain Accused India of Open Cheating in 4th T20I

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Former England captain Michael Vaughan has accused India of unfair play after their 15-run victory over England in the fourth T20I at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. With this win, India secured an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.

Vaughan took to X (formerly Twitter) to question India’s use of Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube. The former cricketer raised concerns over how a specialist fast bowler was allowed to replace a batting all-rounder.

Here’s what Vaughan posted on X:

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

The Controversy Over the Substitution

During India’s innings, Shivam Dube was struck on the helmet by a bouncer from Jamie Overton in the final over. He continued batting but was later ruled out due to concussion protocols. India then brought in Harshit Rana as his replacement, which raised eyebrows among England fans and experts.

Under ICC’s concussion substitute rule, the replacement player must be a “like-for-like” replacement. However, Vaughan and several others pointed out that while Dube is a batting all-rounder, Rana is a specialist fast bowler. The controversy intensified when Rana made an impact with the ball, dismissing Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell, two crucial English batters.

Was It a Fair Call?

According to ICC’s rules, a concussion substitute should not give the team an “unfair advantage.” The match referee has the final say in approving the replacement. However, Vaughan and many English fans believe that allowing a full-time bowler to replace a batting all-rounder tilted the balance in India’s favor.

Despite the controversy, India emerged victorious and sealed the series. With the debate still ongoing, all eyes will now be on the final T20I of the series.

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