IND v AUS 2020: ‘This concussion sub rule will generate a LOT of discussion’ – Twitter erupts as Yuzvendra Chahal replaces Ravindra Jadeja

Yuzvendra Chahal, who was left out of the starting XI, made an immediate impact with two wickets in his first two overs. The leg-spinner came on as a concussion substitute for all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja in the first T20I at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Friday (December 4).

The development came to light after Jadeja (44* off 23) was struck flush on the head off a Mitchell Starc bouncer in the final over of India’s innings. The all-rounder was immediately attended to by the BCCI medical team, following which they named Yuzvendra Chahal as the like-for-like concussion substitute.

“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 second innings as a concussion substitute, Jadeja is currently being assessed by the BCCI Medical Team,” read a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) statement.

Chahal was an instant hit as he broke the opening stand by removing the in-form Aaron Finch (35 off 26) in his first over. The real shot in the arm was when the leggie accounted for Steve Smith (12 off 9) in his following over. Both dismissals, however, were possible due to excellent catches by Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson in the deep.

Yuzvendra Chahal capped off an impressive performance by accounting for Matthew Wade off the last ball of his fourth over. He ended with figures of 3 for 25.

While Indian fans were boisterous for obvious reasons, many in the cricketing fraternity have been left questioning the decision. They reasoned that Yuzvendra Chahal is a more potent bowler than Ravindra Jadeja, and the exact opposite when it comes to the batting front.

Twitter also erupted with memes and trolls, and here are some of the best reactions.

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Twitter erupts as both Ravindra Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal play crucial roles

Ravindra Jadeja with the bat. And his concussion substitute Yuzvendra Chahal with the ball have made telling contributions #AUSvIND

— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) December 4, 2020

"You should be grateful that we didn't ask for Bumrah as concussion sub."In a press conference in parallel universe🤭 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/YjA6UaE0YW

— Rohit Yadav (@cricrohit) December 4, 2020

What a catch by Hardik Pandya, Aaron Finch is gone. The concussion substitute Yuzvendra Chahal picks the opening wicket. pic.twitter.com/S7ffXVhgx5

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 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

#indvsausT20Yuzvendra Chahal came on as a concussion substitute for Jadeja and gave India a breakthrough pic.twitter.com/BjEF58GWdR

— Sudhanshu Ranjan Singh (@memegineers_) December 4, 2020

Justin langer definitely not happy with concussion substitute decision #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/PVNoUQA0yA

— PREETHIK SHETTY (@ShettyPreethik) December 4, 2020

#INDvsAUS Chahal Has replaced Ravindra jadeja Cause of Concussion substitute and performs well..*Meanwhile Virat kohli-: pic.twitter.com/j20zVJLnbU

— Kadak Chaiii🔥👉👈 (@Assumation1) December 4, 2020

We did nothing illegal with that concussion rule, we just exploited a loophole in the system.Just like Harshad Mehta did in Scam of 1992.#AUSvIND

— Andy. (@WeBleedBlue007) December 4, 2020

Since concussion rule has come into play, I have said all injuries should have a replacement with the amount of cricket played. Concussion caused by miss judgement, physical injury is stress on the body. A player will try & push on with physical injury. #cricket #INDVAUS #AUSvIND https://t.co/2AMAv7rvZA

— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) December 4, 2020

Smart move from Team India to use the 'concussion substitute' rule to get Chahal on and bowl. The injury that clearly Jadeja was struggling with was the hamstring but then Chahal can't bowl.Justin 'I go by the books' Langer is not happy about it. #AUSvIND

— V-R Isolated 🏠 (@NaanumEngineer) December 4, 2020

When you come as a Concussion substitute and take 2 wickets in 2 overs. #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/xwDRWoFSEI

— Aadarsh Dixit💞 (@aadarshdixit2) 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