Mumbai Indians endured a crushing 103-run defeat against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23, but beyond the one-sided result, a controversial concussion substitution involving Mitchell Santner became a major talking point. While Sanju Samson headlined the game with a brilliant unbeaten century and Akeal Hosein dismantled MI’s batting with a four-wicket haul, the spotlight also fell on Mumbai’s decision to bring in Shardul Thakur as a concussion substitute.

The incident occurred in the 17th over of CSK’s innings. Santner, stationed at deep square leg, completed a sharp forward-diving catch to dismiss Kartik Sharma off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling.

However, the effort came at a cost. He landed awkwardly, appearing to hurt his shoulder, and replays later showed his head also making contact with the ground. Physios rushed in, and the spinner eventually walked off the field holding his left shoulder.

ALSO READ: Pat Cummins Reveals Readiness For Comeback Game As SRH Gear Up For IPL 2026 Clash

During MI’s chase, Thakur was introduced as Santner’s concussion replacement. However, the move raised eyebrows, especially after visuals surfaced of Santner with an ice pack on his shoulder. Fans questioned the validity of a concussion substitute if the visible injury appeared to be related to the shoulder rather than the head.

Mitchell Santner bro 😢 pic.twitter.com/2RMoA7WM0K

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) April 23, 2026

Addressing the situation post-match, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene clarified the sequence of events. He revealed that Santner had initially hit his head and neck before experiencing dizziness, which prompted further medical evaluation. “Santner hit his head first, then his neck and shoulder. After returning from a scan, he felt dizzy and wasn’t stable,” Jayawardene explained.

He added that the decision to allow a concussion substitute ultimately rested with the match officials.

ALSO READ: RCB’s 2nd Home Under Threat? NGT Issues Notice Over Water Usage, Ban Risk Looms

“We requested a concussion sub, and it was approved by the match referee and umpires. Hopefully, the injury isn’t serious,” he said.

Before the injury, Santner had completed his four-over spell, finishing with figures of 1/44, including the wicket of Sarfaraz Khan. Notably, this wasn’t his first injury concern this season, having previously missed a match due to a shoulder issue earlier in the campaign.