Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene explained the logic behind Mitchell Santner being a concussion sub despite injuring his shoulder while taking a catch in their recent IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 23, in Mumbai.

Chennai was put into bat first by MI, and their innings was carried by Sanju Samson, who made 101* in 54 balls with 10 fours and 6 sixes. Ruturaj Gaikwad made 22, and Dewald Brevis made 21 as CSK posted 207/6 thanks to Samson’s second century of this IPL.

In response, the CSK bowlers annihilated the MI batting lineup, as only Suryakumar Yadav (35) and Tilak Varma (37) withstood the onslaught. Akeal Hosein took 4/17, while Noor Ahmad took 2 wickets as MI was bowled out for 104 runs and CSK won the game by 103 runs.

CSK’s win also had an unusual event, where Shardul Thakur replaced Mitchell Santner as a concussion substitute. While making a low catch in the 17th over, Santner appeared to damage his shoulder. Replays, however, revealed that his head may have hit the ground as well. He did not return to the field after being taken for scans.

MI coach Mahela Jayawardene explained the decision, as a controversy had happened over the same.

“Santner hit his head first, then 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.

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 said at the post-match press conference.

The explanation, however, did little to quell the discussion, with many asking whether an apparent shoulder ailment deserved a concussion replacement.

According to IPL rules, teams must identify potential concussion substitutes before the match, including positions like batsman, bowler, and all-rounder. The match referee makes the final call, ensuring a like-for-like replacement.

This was MI’s biggest loss to CSK and overall in IPL as well.

“We have managed just four points from seven matches. Disappointed to have lost this game. We lost our rhythm in the two power plays themselves, first with the ball and then with the bat… As a team, we all have to improve. We discussed and felt comfortable chasing. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not,” the MI head coach added.

MI is now at the 8th spot after 7 games, with 2 wins, 5 losses, and 4 points to their name. MI will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 29 in a home game in Mumbai.