'It was a right decision': Virender Sehwag on controversy around Chahal's substitution
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“From our side, it was a right decision as Ravindra Jadeja was not fit to play and could not bowl as well,” Sehwag, told ‘Sony Six’.
Team India defeated Australia by 11 runs in the first T20 of the three-match series at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. Virat and Co. came back to win this match after Australia was off to a very good start because of Aaron Finch and D’Arcy Short's explosive start. However, the match turned into India's favour when Yuzvendra Chahal came down to the bowl.
Chahal picked up a crucial wicket of Finch and went on to scalp two more wickets to help India win a crucial fixture against the hosts. However, Chahal came in as a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja, whose 23-ball 44 helped India set a good total.
Jadeja was hit on the head but didn’t seek immediate medical attention but when Australia batted, it was Yuzvendra Chahal, who came out as concussion substitute and took 3 for 25 to play a big part in India’s 11-run win against Australia in the first T20 international. However, controversy erupted when Chahal entered the pitch. Aussie coach Justin Langer was seen arguing with the match referee over this decision.
Former batting legend Virender Sehwag supported Team India and said they were absolutely to bring in Chahal as symptoms related to head injuries can show up as late as 24 hours after the hit.
“From our side, it was a right decision as Ravindra Jadeja was not fit to play and could not bowl as well,” Sehwag, who is an expert on ‘Sony Six’, said.
“It was an opportunity which the Indian team got because he was hit on the head and when you are hit on the head, nobody can say that concussion will happen at that time. It takes time. You might get symptoms within 24 hours. So the Indian team took the right advantage of the rule.” Sehwag feels that Australians shouldn’t be complaining as they were the first beneficiaries of concussion substitute rule.
“When Steve Smith was hit on the head, Labuschagne came out to bat in place of him and made runs. So, Australia also got that advantage. So I think Australia shouldn’t complain.”
‘”They might have just one contention that Jadeja continued to bat and made runs but when you open your helmet inside the dressing room then you might witness some swelling, you might fell dizziness. There is a possibility.”
“I was hit on the helmet many times so I know how it feels but during our times there were no such rules.”
(with PTI inputs)