India all-rounder Shivam Dube has retained his place in the XI for the fifth and final T20I against England despite requiring a contentious concussion substitution in the last match.
At Gahunje, Dube, who smashed 53, took a blow on his helmet by a Jamie Overton bouncer off the penultimate ball of India’s innings. After being attended by the team physio immediately, Dube faced one more ball, taking India to 181-9.
While ICC’s playing conditions state a concussion substitute should be a "like for like", India opted to replace Dube, a batting all-rounder with Harshit Rana, who is predominantly a fast bowler. Rana played a starring role in India’s series-sealing victory by picking up 3-33.
Explained: The concussion sub rule loophole that allowed Rana to replace Dube
The substitute call wasn’t received well by many, with England captain Jos Buttler expressing his disappointment in allowing Rana to replace Dube. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen voiced his displeasure as well.
In the dead rubber on Sunday, Dube, however, has cleared the concussion protocol tests and is included in India's playing XI.
Speaking at the toss ahead of the fifth T20I, Jos Buttler took a veiled jab at India’s controversial concussion substitution in the previous game.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 2, 2025
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/3sCN3ey4TC pic.twitter.com/S55hYTjWag
According to the ICC's Concussion Management Guidelines, "Usually a player will recover in about 7 days but this can vary from individual to individual. If the concussion symptoms continue for more than 3 weeks a player should be referred to a specialist who is experienced in the management of concussion."
Dube, however, returned to play within two days after copping the blow. One possible reason to explain his inclusion in the final match is that he may have been subbed out for a suspected concussion as per protocols before later being cleared of any injury.
India were asked to bat first after losing the toss. Mohammed Shami, who made his much-awaited international comeback earlier, returned to the playing XI. The hosts enter the match with an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
