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Xtra Time Web Desk: The brilliant 11 runs win by Virat Kohli and his boys over Australia in the first T20I at the Manuka Oval on Friday was marred by the controversy revolving the concussion substitution. Leg spinner Yuzuvendra Chahal came in as a concussion substitute after Ravindra Jadeja complained of dizziness during the innings break. The left hander was hit on the helmet by a Starc delivery towards the end of the Indian innings. Despite being hit, Jadeja batted for the next 9 deliveries to remain not out on 44 from 23 balls to guide India to 161/7.

Coming in as a concussion substitute Chahal weaved magic with the ball, registering figures of 3/25 in his 4 overs as India won the match by 11 runs. The leg-spinner became the first concussion substitute to be awarded the man of the match award.

Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Kohli explained why the Indian team used a concussion substitute in the match.

“Jaddu got a knock on the side of a head and was a bit dizzy and still is. Concussion replacements are a strange thing, today it worked for us maybe another time he wouldn’t have found a like-for-like,” Kohli said.

“There were no plans of having Yuzi in the game. Yuzi showed character to squeeze the opponents. I thought they had a great start. They were cruising. The batters offered us a few wickets. That is T20 cricket for you,” Kohli added.

“In Australia, you need to play hard and show intensity till the end. He batted beautifully in the last game. Natarajan looks like he can improve a lot. Chahar bowled well as well. Chahal got us back in the game. Hardik’s catch was a game changer as well,” he further said.

India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The two teams will meet again on Sunday in Sydney.