Pune, Feb 1, 2025 – India secured a series-clinching 15-run victory over England in the fourth T20 International, riding on a debatable concussion substitute appearance by Harshit Rana and all-round brilliance from Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.
Rana, replacing Dube under concussion substitute rules, claimed three crucial wickets, helping India dismiss England for 166 in 19.4 overs at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. The win gave India an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
Debate Over Controversial Concussion Substitute
The match saw controversy after Dube was struck on the helmet by a Jamie Overton bouncer, prompting India to replace the all-rounder with fast bowler Rana. However, England captain Jos Buttler questioned the decision, arguing that the substitute was not a like-for-like replacement, as mandated by ICC rules.
“It’s not a like-for-like replacement. We don’t agree with that,” Buttler said post-match. “Dube has either put on 25 miles per hour with the ball or Harshit Rana has really improved his batting.”
Rana, however, called it a “dream debut”, stating: “I have been waiting for this moment to prove myself.”
Pandya and Dube Lift India After Early Collapse
England’s Saqib Mahmood had a sensational debut, taking three wickets in his first over, reducing India to 4-3. Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and captain Suryakumar Yadav all fell cheaply, putting India on the back foot.
However, a 87-run partnership between Pandya (53) and Dube (53) rebuilt the innings, guiding India to 181-9. Rinku Singh (30) and Abhishek Sharma (29) also chipped in with valuable contributions.
England’s Aggressive Start Falls Short
Chasing 182, England came out swinging, reaching 62-1 in the powerplay, significantly better than India’s 47-3. Ben Duckett (39), Phil Salt (23), and Harry Brook (51) led the charge.
But India’s spinners turned the game around:
- Ravi Bishnoi (3-28) removed Duckett and Buttler in consecutive overs.
- Axar Patel dismissed Salt, tightening India’s grip.
- Varun Chakravarthy’s double strike in the 17th over, including the crucial wicket of Brook, derailed England’s chase.
Harshit Rana, stepping up under questionable circumstances, sealed the win with three wickets, as England were bowled out with two balls to spare.
Series Decided, One Match to Go
The final T20I will be played in Mumbai on Sunday, followed by a three-match ODI series between the two sides.
While India celebrates the series win, England’s frustration over the substitution rule remains a talking point, setting the stage for a heated final encounter.