Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques on Friday questioned whether Yuzvendra Chahal can be called a “like for like” concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja after the leg-spinner spun his web to take India to a 11-run victory.
“There was no doubt that Jadeja was hit on the helmet and there could have been a concussion. A decision was taken that there was a concussion and a replacement was made. We are not doubting that,” Henriques said at the post-match conference.
“But was it a like-for-like replacement? That is the question. Jadeja was more of an all-rounder and he had done his batting. Chahal is a (pure) bowler,” said the 33-year old who scored 30 and took three wickets for 22.
He, however, made it clear that he was neither questioning ICC’s concussion replacement rule nor India’s right to seek a replacement.
“ICC’s rule is fine, sure there should be (concussion) replacement. We are not talking about the decision to make the replacement.
“Only thing we are saying is there should be a like-for-like replacement. That is the way to do going ahead, I think.”
Henriques however chose to steer clear of debate surrounding how one reaches the conclusion about replacement.
“I don’t know how the decision (to make replacement) was arrived, I am not involved in those things. There are doctors to do that and it's not our job to take those decisions,” he said when asked whether there should be more clarity in the replacement rule.
‘Ready all the time’
Indian batsman Sanju Samson was all praise for Yuzvendra Chahal, who till the break didn’t know that he was going to play such a big role in India’s win.
“That is the standard that has been set by this team. The quality of players is so high that anytime you ask, they are ready. Chahal grabbed his chance and it was a great lesson for everyone that they need to be ready all the time.”