Published By: Sanchari Das

Not Just Harshit Rana! These Cricketers Also Made Their Debut as Concussion Subs

Concussion substitutes have become crucial in international cricket, ensuring that teams aren't disadvantaged when a player is injured.

India secured a thrilling 15-run victory over England in the fourth T20I at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, clinching the series 3-1. Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to bowl first, and India posted a competitive 181/9. Hardik Pandya (53) and Shivam Dube (53) played crucial knocks, while Saqib Mahmood (3/35) was England's standout bowler. However, the match dramatically turned when Jamie Overton's fiery bouncer struck Dube on the helmet. He continued his innings but eventually ran out on the final delivery, adding to India's first-innings woes.

Dube's injury prevented him from taking the field during England's chase, and India introduced fast bowler Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute. This marked Rana's T20I debut under rare circumstances, placing him in an elite group of players who have made their international debut as concussion replacements. This article looks at cricketers who have debuted in international cricket as concussion substitutes.

Brian Mudzinganyama (Test, Zimbabwe, 2020)

In 2020, Zimbabwe's Brian Mudzinganyama became one of the first cricketers to debut as a concussion substitute in Tests. His opportunity arose when Kevin Kasuza suffered a delayed concussion while fielding at short leg against Sri Lanka in Harare. Although initially cleared, Kasuza later showed symptoms, forcing Zimbabwe to call in Mudzinganyama as his replacement. He batted in the second innings and scored 16 runs. However, this remains his only Test appearance, making his debut an unusual moment in Zimbabwean cricket history.

Neil Rock (ODI, Ireland, 2022)

Ireland's Neil Rock joined the list in 2022 during an ODI against the West Indies in Kingston. All-rounder Andy McBrine was hit on the helmet in the 16th over and was later ruled out due to concussion symptoms. Rock, a left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, was brought in at No. 9. While his performance wasn't remarkable—he managed just five runs—his debut showcased the growing significance of the concussion substitute rule in modern cricket.

Matt Parkinson (Test, England, 2022)

England's Matt Parkinson had one of the most dramatic debuts as a concussion substitute. Jack Leach suffered a concussion in a Test against New Zealand at Lord's after awkwardly landing while fielding. England had to rush Parkinson from Manchester to London at short notice. He bowled 15.3 overs in New Zealand's second innings, conceding 47 runs and dismissing Tim Southee with a well-flighted leg break. Though his figures weren't extraordinary, his debut added an interesting chapter to England's cricket history.

Kamran Ghulam (ODI, Pakistan, 2023)

Pakistan's Kamran Ghulam made his ODI debut in 2023 against New Zealand in Karachi under similar circumstances. Haris Sohail was struck on the helmet by a 150 km/h Lockie Ferguson bouncer and later experienced pain in his neck, ruling him out of the match. Pakistan called in Ghulam as a replacement, but he had little impact as he didn't play a major role in the game. His debut, however, remains a rare example of a player making an international appearance under such conditions.

Bahir Shah (Test, Afghanistan, 2023)

Afghanistan's Bahir Shah made his Test debut in 2023 against Bangladesh in Mirpur. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi was hit on the head by a Taskin Ahmed bouncer, leading to Shah's introduction as a concussion substitute. Unfortunately, he managed only seven runs before being dismissed. Bangladesh went on to win the match by a record margin of 546 runs, but Bahir Shah's unique debut stood out in Afghanistan's cricket history.

Harshit Rana (T20I, India, 2025)

India's Harshit Rana is the latest cricketer to debut as a concussion substitute. In the fourth T20I against England in Pune, Shivam Dube sustained a head injury after being struck by a Jamie Overton bouncer. While Dube managed to score 53 runs, he was unable to take the field for the second innings. India introduced Rana, who made an immediate impact with the ball. He picked up three crucial wickets—Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell, and Jamie Overton—finishing with figures of 3/33 in four overs. His performance proved pivotal as India secured a series-clinching victory.