The first T20I between India and Australia in Canberra on Friday (December 4) saw Yuzvendra Chahal replacing Ravindra Jadeja as a concussion substitute after the latter was hit on the helmet by pacer Mitchell Starc in the final over of India’s innings.

As it turned out, Chahal, who was originally not named in the playing XI, claimed 3 wickets by conceding 25 runs in his four overs to help the visitors register a convincing 11-run victory.

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The incident has now sparked a huge debate in the cricket fraternity, with former Australia skipper Mark Taylor urging teams not to abuse the concussion substitute rule.

"The concussion rules are there to protect players," Taylor, a former member of the ICC Cricket Committee, was quoted as saying by 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

"If they are abused there's a chance it will go like the runner's rule. The reason the runners were outlawed was because it started to be abused. It's up to the players to make sure they use the concussion sub fairly and responsibly.

"I'm not suggesting that didn't happen last night."                                     

Chahal replacing Jadeja as a concussion substitute infuriated quite a few individuals in the Australian camp, including head coach Justin Langer, who was seen having an animated conversation with match referee David Boon.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques also wondered if it was a like-for-like replacement.

"A decision was taken that there was a concussion and we are fine with that. But was there a like for like replacement? Jadeja was more of an all-rounder, and he had done his batting. Chahal is a bowler," Henriques said.

The fact that Jadeja did not seek medical attention immediately after being hit on the helmet fuelled further speculations.

"I've said for years I'd like to see players and coaches take more responsibility in running the game. The laws are there to protect them and make the game better for the player. Just make sure they're used correctly, that's all I would say," Taylor remarked.

(With PTI inputs)