The Mumbai Indians (MI) have successfully exploited the concussion substitute loophole against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium. Mitchell Santner, who finished with 44/1 in 4 overs, injured his left shoulder in the first innings while taking Kartik Sharma’s catch on the final ball of the 17th over.
Mitchell Santner injured while fielding
The all-rounder was stationed at deep square leg when the wicketkeeper batter struck a flat hit off a full toss directly towards him. Santner didn’t have much time due to the trajectory of the ball and threw himself forward. He somehow managed to get both hands under the ball and take a clean catch.
However, he injured himself in the process. He called Mumbai’s physio Nitin Patel and walked off the pitch while clutching his left shoulder. It was clear that Santner wasn’t just feeling some pain. The injury looked serious. Moments later, visuals of Santner with his shoulder strapped were seen. He was icing his shoulder as well.
MI exploit concussion sub loophole
We didn’t hear any update about Santner until the 10th over of the second innings. Then it was made official that he won’t come out to bat for MI, and Shardul Thakur will bat in his place as the concussion substitute. This made many wonder how Shardul was allowed to come in for him, since he didn’t injure his head.
Well, that’s the loophole. Santner’s head did hit the ground while taking the catch. At the 0.3-second mark in the video above, you’ll see it. Therefore, as per the rules, a concussion could have been used to replace him. However, it was clear that Santner hurt his shoulder. MI knew they could use this to their advantage, and Shardul came in as the like-for-like replacement as a bowling all-rounder.
This wasn’t the first time the concussion sub has been exploited. Back in 2020, Yuzvendra Chahal replaced Ravindra Jadeja in the second innings after the latter was hit on his helmet at the back end of the first innings. However, Jadeja kept on batting despite the blow. The move forced the ICC to amend the rule, adding the ‘like-for-like replacement’ stipulation.
