IPL umpires sold? Mumbai Indians issue statement on Shardul Thakur-for-Mitchell Santner concussion sub call

Mumbai Indians (MI) coach Mahela Jayawardene explained the concussion substitution involving Mitchell Santner and Shardul Thakur against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the IPL 2026 season. Jayawardene added that Mitchell Santner wasn't stable, justifying the substitution amid controversy surrounding the incident.

Chennai Super Kings defeated Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 23. The visiting team posted a total of 207 and then bowled out the five-time champions for just 104 in 20 overs. They secured a commanding 103-run victory with a strong all-round performance throughout the match.

In the 17th over of the first innings, Mitchell Santner completed a diving catch to dismiss Kartik Sharma, but immediately injured his shoulder. He was seen in visible pain and walked off the field after receiving initial treatment.

The Mumbai Indians later requested a concussion substitute. This unexpected move sparked widespread debate, as concussion replacements are typically reserved for head injuries. Mahela Jayawardene stated that Santner first hit his head and neck before hurting his shoulder.

“Santner hit his head first, the neck and obviously, the shoulder as well. He then went for a scan. Once he got back, he was lying down. Yes, the ice was there for the shoulder, but he felt that he wasn't stable, so we took him for a scan in that situation,” Jayawardene said.

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It’s at the Match Referee and the Umpires’ Discretion - Mahela Jayawardene

Under IPL playing conditions, teams can request a concussion substitute only in cases of a confirmed or suspected head or neck injury. The request must be approved by the match referee, who ensures the replacement is a like-for-like player without giving any unfair advantage.

Mahela Jayawardene stated that Mumbai Indians followed the proper process by submitting a request to the match referee and umpires. He stated that the team remains hopeful that Mitchell Santner’s injury is not serious.

“We requested a concussion sub. It's at the match referee and the umpires' discretion. They allowed Shardul Thakur. It is what it is. But hopefully, Santner's injury isn't too bad. Once he's back, we'll have a look at it,” Jayawardene added.

Sanju Samson’s Century and Akeal Hosein’s Spell Power CSK to Dominant Win Over MI

Before the substitution controversy overshadowed the game, Chennai Super Kings delivered a dominant batting performance. Sanju Samson scored a brilliant unbeaten 101 off 54 balls. He anchored the innings and accelerated at key moments to guide his team to a strong total of 207 runs.

While defending the target, Chennai Super Kings executed their plans perfectly with the ball. Left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein made a major impact in the powerplay. He picked up four crucial wickets for just 17 runs, breaking the momentum of the Mumbai Indians' batting lineup early in the chase.

The Mumbai Indians never recovered from the early collapse and struggled throughout the innings. Concussion substitute Shardul Thakur failed to make an impact, scoring just six runs, as the batting unit crumbled under pressure, eventually getting bowled out cheaply to hand Chennai a comprehensive victory.

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