In July 2019, the International Cricket Council (ICC) sanctioned the use of like-for-like concussion substitutes if a player suffered a head injury. This approval extended to player replacements across all formats of men’s and women’s international cricket, as well as in worldwide first-class cricket. The implementation of this rule officially commenced on 1 August 2019.
The ICC had implemented a concussion substitute rule in international cricket. This rule allows teams to replace a player who has suffered a concussion during a match with a like-for-like substitute. The replacement player must be approved by the match referee.
In the ongoing 02 edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Gujarat Giants’ middle-order batter, Dayalan Hemalatha, had to withdraw from the clash against Delhi Capitals due to a concussion. In her absence, Sayali Satghare was introduced as the first-ever concussion substitute in the Women’s Premier League.
Satghare, a 23-year-old seam-bowling all-rounder representing Mumbai in the domestic circuit, showcased her capabilities with a century against Arunachal Pradesh in the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy the previous month. Her batting average stood at an impressive 52, and she also secured ten wickets in the competition.
Heading into the match against the Capitals, the Giants had encountered a three-game losing streak. Throughout those matches, Hemalatha contributed a cumulative total of 36 runs, with her highest score being 31 not out against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Hemalatha suffered a blow to the forehead while attempting a catch at deep midwicket in the 15th over of the Capitals’ innings. The ball, heaved across off Kathryn Bryce by Jess Jonassen, went through Hemalatha’s hands and struck her. Seeking immediate assistance from the physio, she was subsequently sidelined for the remainder of the match.
During the Giants’ pursuit of a target of 164, Sayali Satghare was approved as the replacement. Notably, she stepped in for fast bowler Kashvee Gautam, who had been acquired for a record INR 2 crore in the auction.
In the match, Gujarat Giants skipper, Beth Mooney won the toss and put in the Delhi Capitals to bat. Thanks to Meg Lanning’s 55-run knock, the Delhi capitals posted a respectable 163/8 in their quota of 20 over. For the Gujarat Giants, Meghna Singh’s bowling was a huge positive as she claimed 4 wickets.
Chasing a pretty attainable total of 164 at the Chinnaswamy stadium which is known for its batting-friendly nature the Gujarat chance faltered as they could manage only 138/8 in their quota of 20 overs.
Jess Jonassen was the pick of the bowlers for Delhi Capitals as she claimed three wickets giving away only 22 runs. Radha Yadav also contributed with three wickets and gave away only 20 runs. Delhi went on to win the match by 25 runs consolidating their place at the top of the points table.