Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s move to introduce Hemang Patel as a concussion substitute for leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi at No. 5 during the Ranji Trophy semifinal at Narendra Modi Stadium has sparked controversy.
Veteran off-spinner Jalaj Saxena voiced his displeasure, calling the substitution unfair to Kerala. He argued that since Bishnoi is a lower-order bowler, his replacement should have batted at No. 11 instead of No. 5.
Bishnoi sustained a concussion while fielding on Day 3, leading to Patel’s inclusion. At stumps on Day 4, Gujarat stood at 429/7, chasing Kerala’s first-innings total of 457, with Jaymeet Patel (74) and Siddharth Desai (24) at the crease**.
Saxena, who delivered a marathon spell of 61-12-137-4, brought Kerala back into the contest after Gujarat’s strong start at 222/1. Expressing concerns over Patel’s batting position, he said:
“Bishnoi usually bats at No. 9 or 10, yet his substitute was sent in at No. 5. That gave Gujarat an unfair advantage. If a batsman replaces a bowler, he should bat at No. 11 or where Bishnoi would have.”
Patel contributed a crucial 27 off 41 balls with two fours and a six, which could prove vital in the final outcome. Saxena further questioned domestic cricket’s concussion substitute rules, stating Kerala had expected Patel to bat lower.
Brief Scores:
Gujarat 429/7 (Panchal 148, Jaymeet *74, Saxena 4-137) vs Kerala 457 (M Azharuddeen 177)
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