Concussion Sub for shoulder injury? MI explain debatable Mitchell Santner call

Mumbai Indians' decision to replace Mitchell Santner with Shardul Thakur under the concussion substitute rule sparked debate after their defeat to Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday. The change was approved by match officials during the second innings after Santner suffered a fall while fielding late in the CSK innings. MI vs CSK: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

The point of dispute was not only the medical basis for the substitution, but also whether Thakur met the requirement of being a like-for-like replacement for Santner.

The flashpoint occurred in the 17th over when Santner completed a diving catch to dismiss Kartik Sharma. While the New Zealand international was immediately seen clutching his left shoulder and subsequently received treatment in the dugout with an ice pack and a sling, the formal request for a substitute was made on the grounds of a suspected concussion.

Under IPL playing conditions, a concussion substitute is allowed if a player has suffered a head or neck injury, provided the Match Referee is satisfied with the medical diagnosis. The debate arose because the visible injury appeared to be to Santner's shoulder, while the substitute request was made on the basis of neurological symptoms.

MI COACH DEFENDS CONCUSSION SUB CALL

Speaking after the match, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene explained the team's medical position.

"He hit his head first and neck. Obviously, the shoulder as well," Jayawardene said.

"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."

The choice of Thakur as the replacement also came under scrutiny because Santner is a left-arm orthodox spinner, while Thakur is a right-arm medium-pacer.

Jayawardene said the final call was not Mumbai's.

"We requested [for a concussion substitute]. Obviously, it is the match referee and the umpires' discretion. They allowed Shardul," he said.

Jayawardene also addressed the comparison between the two all-rounders in a lighter vein.

"Mitch will be disappointed that his batting prowess was matched to Shardul. But, it is what it is. Hopefully, it's not too bad," he said.

Even with the tactical flexibility the substitution provided, Mumbai could not recover in the chase. Chennai Super Kings had earlier posted 207, with Sanju Samson making an unbeaten 101 off 54 balls in the first innings.

CSK then used Akeal Hosein as their Impact Player rather than adding batting cover, and the move shaped the contest quickly. Defending 207, Hosein struck early and repeatedly, reducing Mumbai Indians to 11 for 3 in the powerplay. The left-arm spinner finished with 4 for 17 as Mumbai were bowled out for 104, sealing a comprehensive win for Chennai and leaving the concussion substitute call as one of the major talking points from the game.

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