Ravichandran Ashwin has told Ben Stokes to be careful with his words, as what goes around comes around. This after the England captain called injury substitutions ridiculous.
In cricket if a player gets a concussion he can be replaced by someone similar who can bat or bowl. But for other injuries like Rishabh Pant’s broken foot during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy’s 4th match or Chris Woakes’ hurt shoulder in the 5th match, teams can only bring in a substitute to field.
The discussion started after Pant’s injury and people in the cricket world had different opinions. India’s coach Gautam Gambhir felt the rules should be changed to allow replacements for such injuries. Stokes disagreed saying it was a bad idea that players can take advantage of to get rested players in for slightly hurt or tired ones.
In the 5th match Woakes got hurt on the first day and couldn’t bowl. He only came out to bat on the 5th day using just one arm and wearing a sling.
Ashwin mentioned on his YouTube channel that Gautam Gambhir felt injuries like Woakes’ should allow for substitutions. He continued, immediately after that Ben Stokes was asked, he replied, It’s absolutely a joke. Ashwin said, I like Ben Stokes a lot. I admire how he plays and leads the team. But he needs to think before he speaks.
Ashwin added, Woakes made it to the field with his shoulder wrapped up where he still gave his all to help the team win. “Today Chris Woakes walked out with his shoulder tucked into his sweater and gave it his all to help the team win. He almost did it. He was running, showing immense game awareness. Hats off to Chris Woakes — remarkable attitude, remarkable fight, putting his body on the line.
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Ashwin also mentioned how Michael Vaughan, former England captain, said the rule should be updated. He said Stokes should show some understanding for India. Ashwin said Michael Vaughan felt substitutions is an area where the game can change. All he’s asking from Stokes is to think for a moment for the other team. Stokes should imagine if a talented player like Rishabh Pant was in his team and got injured– wouldn’t he want a substitution? Wouldn’t that be fair? People can have their opinions, but calling something a “joke” or “ridiculous” isn’t respectful. He concluded his point by saying, think before speaking, as the repercussions can be instant.
Stokes missed the 5th match due to injury but still attended the press conference after. He was asked if his opinion had changed after seeing what happened with Woakes.
But the English captain stuck to his original comments. Stokes said, I still don’t see the need for injury substitutes. Sorry if this is harsh, but, he continued, tough luck, players need to deal with injuries.
