Ruckus over Shardul Thakur’s playing, he was neither in the playing-11 nor an impact player, then how did he get it?

Last Thursday, there was a big clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. Fans were expecting an exciting match, but CSK surprised everyone by registering a historic win of 103 runs at Wankhede Stadium. Sanju Samson’s 101-run innings and Akeal Hosein’s 4-wicket haul played the biggest role in CSK’s victory. But this match was more discussed because of Mitchell Santner and Shardul Thakur. Actually Thakur was not a part of the playing eleven nor was he selected as an impact player. Yet when Thakur came to bat, fans started accusing MI of cheating.

Mitchell Santner took the catch of Karthik Sharma in the 17th over of Chennai Super Kings’ innings. He suffered a shoulder injury while taking this catch. After the shoulder injury, it was said that he had a concussion, due to which he was unable to bat. Therefore, when Mumbai came to bat, Shardul Thakur was sent to bat after concussion substitute rule was implemented.

What is the ruckus about?

When Mitchell Santner took the catch, it was told that he had suffered a shoulder injury. Whereas Shardul Thakur got a chance to bat as a concussion substitute. But concussion is an injury to the brain, which occurs due to a collision or blow, whereas Santner had suffered a shoulder injury. To be clear, Santner’s shoulder was injured, not that he had a concussion. Therefore, when Thakur was sent to bat, there was an uproar on social media and people started accusing Mumbai Indians of cheating.

Later, when the video replay was shown, Santner’s head had also hit the ground while taking a diving catch. After the match, Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene said that Santner suffered injuries to his shoulder, neck and head after that catch.

Excellently judged

Mitchell Santner with a fine diving catch in the deep 👏👏

1⃣st wicket of the night for Jasprit Bumrah ☝️

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/gGt34dqUoq#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #MIvCSK | @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/5EyRNf9kCb

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 23, 2026

Wait… Shardul Thakur has been named concussion substitute of Mitchell Santer for a shoulder injury? So he has brain in his shoulder? pic.twitter.com/0yFYipc3MN

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) April 23, 2026

How the hell is Shardul Thakur a concussion substitute for Mitch Santner who injured his shoulder??????????????? pic.twitter.com/EWNRidVaeB

— The Gamechanger (@tarun_0707) April 23, 2026

Why Shardul Thakur came in place of Santer when Danish Malewar already came in place of Ghazanfar? Did I miss something in the match? pic.twitter.com/J58aD4XOcG

— Kusha Sharma  (@Kushacritic) April 23, 2026

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