Gautam Gambhir Shuts Down Critics Over Harshit Rana-Shivam Dube Concussion Sub Controversy
India secured a 4-1 T20I series win against England, but controversy erupted in the fourth match when Harshit Rana replaced Shivam Dube as a concussion sub. Rana debut proved decisive, taking three wickets. Critics, including Jos Buttler, questioned the decision. Gautam Gambhir defended it humorously, stating Dube would’ve bowled four overs. India later sealed the series with a 150-run victory.
In the aftermath of the India vs. England T20I series, which India won 4-1, Gautam Gambhir responded to criticism surrounding the controversial concussion substitute of Shivam Dube by Harshit Rana. Dube had been struck on the head during the fourth T20I, and while the rules allowed for a like-for-like replacement, Rana, a pacer, was chosen instead of the expected Ramandeep Singh.
Rana’s debut saw him take three wickets, which significantly contributed to India’s victory. This move sparked a heated debate, with some experts criticizing India for not following the standard concussion substitute protocol. England’s Jos Buttler expressed his frustration at the decision.
In a conversation with Kevin Pietersen, Gambhir humorously defended the decision, stating that Rana would have bowled four overs in the match, thereby justifying his inclusion. He said:
It is about having the No. 8 batter, even if he does not face too many balls, because of the kind of cricket that we are playing. We want to go as hard as possible and sometimes that cushion of having that No. 8 would free up the top 7 more.
#GG comment on #ConcussionSubstitute of Nitish Rana for Dube!!!#GautamGambhir
— mahendradevireddy (@imahendrareddy) February 2, 2025
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Gambhir also elaborated on India’s strategy of using just one frontline pacer and opting for an extra batter (No. 8) to give more freedom to the top order. The series concluded with a dominating performance by India, including a massive 150-run victory in the fifth game, where Abhishek Sharma’s 135-run knock and three wickets from Mohammed Shami were key highlights.
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