Kolkata Knight Riders were forced into a concussion-related change during a crucial IPL 2026 encounter against Mumbai Indians after in-form batter and stand-in wicketkeeper Angkrish Raghuvanshi suffered an injury during a coming-together in the field. The incident occurred in the 11th over of Mumbai’s innings at Eden Gardens when Tilak Varma sliced a delivery from Varun Chakaravarthy and the ball went high off the top edge. Raghuvanshi and Chakaravarthy both sprinted in to contest the catch, but they collided awkwardly in the process, giving Tilak a chance to survive the moment. Raghuvanshi appeared to be in discomfort and left the field soon after.
KKR initially posted that Ramandeep Singh would take Raghuvanshi’s place, but the franchise later removed the update. Tejasvi Singh ultimately came out to bat during the chase and managed 12 runs from 13 balls.
The concussion substitution decision sparked discussion among supporters, with many asking why KKR were permitted to use a replacement if the injury looked to be to Raghuvanshi’s hand rather than his head.
Reports suggest Angkrish Raghuvanshi may miss KKR’s last league match against DC. The expected timeline is tied to concussion protocol, with players diagnosed with a concussion required to complete a mandatory seven-day stand-down period.
Raghuvanshi has been central to KKR’s campaign, accumulating 422 runs in 12 innings at an average of 42.20 and a strike rate of 146.52. The 22-year-old has also produced five half-centuries, including three in his most recent four innings, reinforcing his value as a steady presence in the middle order.
Despite the scare, KKR kept their playoff hopes alive by chasing 148 and finishing with seven balls remaining. The equation now is straightforward: they need to defeat DC in their final league fixture and then rely on other results to fall in their favour to qualify.
The injury adds another layer of pressure on a side that entered the match needing victories in their previous games to keep their postseason prospects alive. Raghuvanshi’s season output—422 runs from 12 innings at 42.20 with a strike rate of 146.52—along with his five half-centuries (three in his last four outings) underlines how significant his potential absence could be for KKR’s final league stretch.
