Harshit Rana Sends ‘Not Bothered’ Response To Concussion Substitute Controversy vs England

The last few months have been inspiring and exciting for Harshit Rana. It started with his incredible campaign in the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He contributed with 19 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 20.15 to their winning campaign during the season.

Rana made his debut in international cricket during the opening Test of the five-match series in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The fourth T20I of the recent five-match series against England at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune saw him making a debut in the shortest format.

Harshit Rana’s controversial T20I debut

The cycle was completed when the right-arm pacer marked his very first game for India in the ODI format during the Nagpur contest. His inclusion in the shortest format came in a see-saw manner as he replaced Shivam Dube in Pune as the concussion sub.

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The left-handed all-rounder smashed 53 runs in 34 deliveries at a strike rate of 155.88 before Rana was included in the playing eleven for their defense. Dube got hit on his head during the last over of their batting as the team management went with Rana’s name to the match referee, Javagal Srinath, as the substitute.

Harshit Rana picked up three wickets in the contest, giving away 33 runs in four overs at an economy rate of 8.20. Many England supporters and their captain questioned the decision. Jos Buttler was surprised at Rana’s substitute and informed that he would question Srinath for approval.

Harshit Rana enjoys his ODI debut with three wickets

The ODI debut wasn’t a smooth start for the Delhi pacer. The blue brigade handed him the debut, after keeping him in the squad a s replacement of Jasprit Bumrah, who could get ruled out of the three-match series and the Champions Trophy 2025 with injury.

It was a different first game for the youngster. He went for 26 runs by two England openers, Phil Salt and Ben Duckett. The pacer was not consistent with his line and length and found it incredibly hard to get any movement from the new delivery. However, once the visiting side lost their first wicket via Salt’s run-out, Rana came back to change the course of the contest.

The 23-year-old went with a short ball to Duckett. The batter looked to put the ball, but the delivery bounced more than he anticipated as it ballooned in the air. Yashasvi Jaiswal ran backward for a long distance, kept his eye on the ball, and grabbed it comfortably. It was a huge respite for the pacer.

Two balls later, Harshit Rana bounced out England’s vice-captain, Harry Brook. The middle-order batter looked to leave the leg-sided ball but failed to keep the rising delivery down. He got some gloves in it as KL Rahul grabbed a great catch. The KKR pacer ended with figures of 3/53 in seven overs.

Harshit Rana speaks on concussion substitute controversy

He was asked about the substitution groin, and the fast bowler came up with a straightforward replay, suggesting that he would want to move on from the incident.

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“I believe that people will keep on talking. I just want to play, good or bad. I'm not bothered. I just want to deliver for my country. I don't pay attention to those talks.” Harshit Rana expressed this in the post-match press conference.

“You get to know only when you come to the ground. Mentally, I'm always prepared whenever I come to the ground. I know that I can play anytime. Anything can happen. So, mentally, I always keep myself prepared.” He addressed after India took a 1-0 lead in the series.

The next game will take place on February 09 at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.