Delhi: In the fourth T20 match played between India and England, Harshit Rana was included as a conversion substitute at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Friday. Due to this, Harshit's debut was in the middle match.

Question on the arrival of Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana took three wickets for 33 runs in four overs in this match and played an important role in saving India's target of 182 runs. India won this match by 15 runs.

However, England captain Jose Butler did not look happy with this change, as Dubey is an all -rounder while Harshit is primarily fast bowler. This decision launched a debate that what is the true meaning of 'Like-Like Replacement' and what do the ICC rules say about it?

What does the law of the conversion substitute say?

According to Rule 1.2.7 of ICC's men's T20 International Play Terms, if a player is affected by kankhan (symptoms of head injury) due to head or neck injury, the team may demand a conversion substitute.

As per rule:

1. If a player is a victim of head or neck injury during the game and the conversion is confirmed by the team medical staff, the team manager will have to send an official request to the ICC match referee.
2. This request should be done immediately and complete information about the injury should be given in it.
3. The ICC match referee can accept this request, but only when the option player is going to play the same role and the team does not get unfair benefits.
4. The referee will see what role the injured player was going to play in the rest of the match and how the new player will contribute.
5. If the referee feels that the new player gives unfair advantage to the team, then he can impose conditions on it.
6. Once the conversion substitute is allowed, the injured player cannot participate in the match again.

Harshit was selected 'Like-for-Like'?

In the case of Harshit Rana, the debate broke out whether his selection was 'Like-for Laik'. The England team considered it unfair, while the Indian team claimed that it was a decision taken as per the rules. The decision of ICC referee is final and no team has the right to appeal.