But when news emerged that Shardul Thakur had replaced Mitchell Santner as a concussion substitute during Mumbai Indians\u2019 (MI) chase, it raised more than a few eyebrows.<\/p>\n
MI\u2019s head coach Mahela Jayawardene was quick to clarify the sequence of events, stressing that the injury was not limited to the shoulder.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think he hit his head first, neck, obviously the shoulder as well. He went for a scan because once he got back he felt dizziness, so he was lying down. Yes, the icing was there for the shoulder, but he felt that he wasn\u2019t stable,\u201d Jayawardene said after his side was annihilated at home by CSK.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we took him for a scan in that situation, so we requested (a concussion sub). Obviously it\u2019s at the match referee\u2019s and umpire\u2019s discretion, so they allowed Shardul.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to playing conditions, a concussion substitute is permitted only as a like-for-like replacement if a player suffers a head injury during the course of a match.<\/p>\n
Santner, who also leads New Zealand in T20Is, had been seen on screen with an ice pack on his shoulder, prompting speculation. Jayawardene\u2019s explanation, however, underlined that the primary concern was the head impact and subsequent dizziness.<\/p>\n
Adding a touch of humour to the situation, Jayawardene quipped about the perceived like-for-like nature of the replacement.<\/p>\n
\u201cMitch will be disappointed that his batting power is matched to Shardul Thakur, but it is what it is,\u201d he said. \u201cBut hopefully it\u2019s not too bad. Once he comes back, we will have a look at it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Published on Apr 24, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n