Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been replaced by leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the ongoing first T20I between India and Australia. Chahal has taken the field as Jadeja’s concussion substitute after the left-hander was hit on the helmet while batting during India’s innings at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.
Jadeja looked in fine form and played a brilliant cameo of 44 runs off 23 balls to help India post a total of 161/7 in 20 overs. The left-hander took a blow on his helmet during the 20th over from Mitchell Starc. Jadeja also seemed to have some issues with his hamstring and looked in discomfort as he was attended by the medical team.
However, he resumed batting and went on to play a brilliant hand to help India recover from a stuttering start and post a fighting total on the board. As per rules, a team can ask for a like-to-like player as a concussion substitute in case a player suffers one. Thus, India went for Chahal as the replacement for Jadeja and the spinner will be eligible to bowl his full four overs while Jadeja continues to be assessed.
“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,” BCCI tweeted.
While Jadeja was hit on the head, he also pulled his hamstring which forced India to ask for a concussion substitute. However, Australia head coach Justin Langer was not happy with the match referee’s decision and was seen arguing with him while Australia captain Aaron Finch stood alongside ahead of the start of Australia’s chase.
