India vs Australia: Was Yuzvendra Chahal really a 'like-for-like' replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, asks Moises Henriques after 1st T20I

Canberra: Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques on Friday questioned whether Yuzvendra Chahal can be called a “like for like” concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja after the leg-spinner spun his web to take India to an 11-run victory in the first T20 international on Friday. Jadeja was hit by a Mitchell Starc bouncer in the final over of the Indian innings and he was replaced by Chahal when India came out to defend their total. To the frustration of the Australians, Chahal took 3/25 as the home side could score only 150 for 7 while chasing 162. “There was no doubt that Jadeja was hit on the helmet and there could have been a concussion. A decision was taken that there was a concussion and a replacement was made. We are not doubting that,” Henriques said at the post-match conference. “But was it a like-for-like replacement? That is the question. Jadeja was more of an all-rounder and he had done his batting. Chahal is a (pure) bowler,” said the 33-year old who scored 30 and took three wickets for 22 during India innings. [caption id=“attachment_9081981” align=“alignnone” width=“640”]  Moises Henriques produced a quality all-round effort (3/22, 30) for Australia in the first T20I against India on Friday. AP[/caption] He, however, made it clear that he was neither questioning ICC’s concussion replacement rule nor India’s right to seek a replacement. “ICC’s rule is fine, sure there should be (concussion) replacement. We are not talking about the decision to make the replacement. “Only thing we are saying is there should be a like-for-like replacement. That is the way to do going ahead, I think.” Henriques however chose to steer clear of debate surrounding how one reaches the conclusion about replacement.

UPDATE: 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. #TeamIndia #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/tdzZrHpA1H

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 4, 2020

“I don’t know how the decision (to make replacement) was arrived, I am not involved in those things. There are doctors to do that and it’s not our job to take those decisions,” he said when asked whether there should be more clarity in the replacement rule. Henriques, who made an impressive comeback in international arena with the ongoing series, said that his job is to play to best of his abilities while selection is not in his hands. “Selected or not, I can’t do anything, that is not in my hands. What I can do is to be positive in attitude, keep performing in domestic and international cricket and make use of the opportunities that come to your best ability. “In the Australian team, 8-9 players will get picked first and then a couple of players will get there. So whenever I get a chance, I try to make the most of that opportunity.” Asked about the plan of the team going ahead after losing the first T20I, he said,“We have to adjust our plan. Everybody has a different plan and we have to adjust. I am sure we will see what is the best one and learn from the last few games.”