Visitors India came up with a commendable performance, as they edged past hosts Australia in the first Twenty20 International (T20I), at the Manuka Oval in Canberra, on Friday. However, the match saw a slight controversy after India used their first-ever concussion substitute, as Yuzvendra Chahal replaced Ravindra Jadeja.
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While India were batting first, all-rounder Jadeja played a late blitz of a 23-ball 44, to steer India to a modest total of 1615. However, during the course of his innings, he hurt his hamstring, as the physio attended him and strapped it up, while he was also seen limping towards the end of the innings.
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During his batting, Jadeja was also struck on his helmet, following a delivery off seamer Mitchell Starc. Although he seemed unfazed by it at that moment, following the innings, India announced that he was having a concussion and utilised their substitute, as leg-spinner Chahal replaced him.
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"Ravindra Jadeja was hit on the helmet in the final over of the first innings of the first T20I. Yuzvendra Chahal will take the field in the 2nd innings as a concussion substitute. Jadeja is currently being assessed by the BCCI Medical Team," said BCCI in a tweet.
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Consequently, it led to confusion, as to if the substitute was really for the concussion or had been misused to replace Jadeja for his hamstring niggle. Australian head coach, Justin Langer, was seen having a heated conversation with match referee David Boon, with skipper Aaron Finch looking on, as the decision stayed.
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Eventually, it turned out to be a result-altering decision. Chahal finished with figures of 325, getting rid of Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Matthew Wade, while India went on to win the match by 11 runs.
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Following the game, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that Jadeja was indeed dizzy after the innings and throughout the Australian chase. On the advice of Team India's doctor, the ICC officials had left with no other choice, but to replace him.
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Although Langer, along with Finch, was confused on the whole thing, it was indeed a justified replacement. Also, according to the ICC rulebook, "In assessing whether the nominated concussion replacement should be considered a like-for-like player, the ICC Match Referee should consider the likely role the concussed player would have played during the remainder of the match and the normal role that would be performed by the nominated concussion replacement."
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As per the ICC protocol regarding player concussions and replacement, it says "Generally, concussion symptoms will settle within two-three days and a player diagnosed with a concussion is ready to return in about a week but, in some individuals, this time might be shorter or longer. Medical oversight, as occurs in elite teams, is essential if a player is to return to play within a week or on a subsequent day of a multi-day match."
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As of now, it is unclear if Jadeja's concussion issue, along with the hamstring niggle, is severe enough. He could also be rested in the remaining two games, keeping in mind the upcoming Tests, that begin from December 17.
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