India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal replaced all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja as a concussion substitute in the first T20I against Australia at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Friday.
Jadeja was seen limping during his match-winning innings in what appeared to be a hamstring worry. Soon after, he was hit on the head by a Mitchell Starc delivery in the final over of the Indian innings.
However, the southpaw looked in great touch as he smashed 44 runs off just 23 balls to help the visitors post 161/7 in their 20 overs.
"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," the BCCI tweeted.
Australia head coach Justin Langer looked really unhappy with the decision as he was seen arguing with match referee David Boon.
Meanwhile, Chahal who has already picked up the crucial wickets of Australia skipper Aaron Finch, Steve Smith and Matthew Wade in the second innings, has sparked a massive debate on social media.
Concussion substitute alert: ICYMI, Jadeja did get hit on his head while batting and given that he also had a hamstring injury shortly,India have got Chahal on as the concussion substitute. AustraliacoachJustinLanger wasn't happy with this at all and was seen arguing by DavidBoon
— AffanKhan1903™ (@affankhan1903) December 4, 2020
Jadeja batted on for four balls after he got struck in the head. Surely all the runs he scored after that should be taken off him if the Indians' concussion substitute (Chahal) is allowed to bowl?! It is a double whammy otherwise. #AUSvIND
— Anthony Morgan (@anthfieg1) December 4, 2020
B(ICC) at it again. SO Jadeja didn't have any concussion when batting but all of a sudden he does now? Take all his runs off that he made after he got hit and ask Chahal to bat. Pathetic. #AUSvIND https://t.co/qmr4OXzPUT
— spcrazzyguy@gmail.com (@ctoshpokh) December 4, 2020
Chahal comes in for Jadeja. This concussion sub rule will generate a LOT of discussion over the next few days #AUSvIND
— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) December 4, 2020
Langer to charge into the ground like MSD if Chahal keeps on taking wickets. #AUSvIND
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) December 4, 2020
I have no issue with Jadeja being substitute with Chahal. But I do have an issue with a Doctor & Physio not being present after Jadeja was struck on the helmet which I believe is protocol now? #AusvInd
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 4, 2020
#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/K9z3T9nBp9
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 4, 2020
