The “El Clasico” clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings on Thursday quickly turned controversial after MI were permitted to use Shardul Thakur as a concussion replacement for Mitchell Santner. The five-time champions faced heavy debate online over whether the concussion substitute process was handled correctly. After the match, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene said Santner struck his head first and immediately felt dizzy, which led to Shardul being brought in at the umpires’ discretion.
Quick facts
- Controversy erupted during MI vs CSK after Shardul Thakur replaced Mitchell Santner under concussion substitution rules.
- Jayawardene said Santner hit his head first, felt dizzy, and needed scans before replacement was allowed.
- The incident happened on the fifth delivery of the 17th over of CSK’s innings.
- Sanju Samson struck an unbeaten 101 to power CSK’s total.
- MI were bowled out for 104 while chasing 208, losing by 103 runs.
- Akeal Hosein took four wickets to dismantle MI’s batting.
- Shardul Thakur batted at No. 8 and scored 6 runs off 12 balls.
Jayawardene’s explanation has been supported by replays that point to Santner’s head making ground contact first. In the same sequence, the Kiwi batter appeared to halt his celebration as he showed signs of shoulder discomfort. The injury occurred when Santner rose forward for a sharp catch at deep square-leg, dismissing Kartik Sharma.
How the injury unfolded
On the fifth ball of the 17th over of CSK’s innings, Santner attacked the chance cleanly at deep square-leg and took the catch. Close-up replays suggest the order of contact was significant, with Santner’s head landing before any other part of his body. After the moment of impact, Santner also appeared to stop his celebration, consistent with the pain and instability that followed.
During MI’s innings, the team was allowed to bring on Shardul Thakur, who was treated as a like-for-like concussion substitute for Santner. Jayawardene elaborated on the timeline after the game, saying Santner went for a scan once he returned and that dizziness became a factor, leading to the decision. The coach also referenced support for the shoulder with ice but stressed that the concern was his feeling of instability.
“He hit his head first and neck. Obviously, the shoulder as well. He went for a scan. Once he got back, he felt dizziness. So, he was lying down. Yes, the ice was there for the shoulder, but he felt he wasn’t stable. So, we took him for a scan,” Jayawardene said while describing Santner’s condition.
That sequence of events came in a match that CSK ultimately dominated. Mumbai Indians were skittled for 104 in reply to Chennai’s 208, suffering a heavy 103-run loss. Sanju Samson led CSK’s charge with a knock of 101 not out, setting a platform that proved too steep for the chasing side.
CSK’s control continued when Akeal Hosein struck repeatedly in MI’s chase, finishing with four wickets. In the later stages, Shardul Thakur came in at No. 8 as Santner’s substitute and contributed 6 runs from 12 balls, but it was not enough to shift the outcome as MI were bowled out well short of the target.
