Mumbai Indians' IPL 2026 campaign has been hit by the injury of all-rounder Mitchell Santner, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury. South African Keshav Maharaj has been signed as his replacement. MI, currently ninth in the standings, hopes Maharaj's experience will help revive their struggling season.
Mumbai Indians suffered a 103-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium in IPL 2026, but the match was overshadowed by controversy over MI's use of Shardul Thakur as a concussion substitute for injured Mitchell Santner. Santner hurt his shoulder and head in the 17th over while attempting a catch. MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene defended the decision, stating Santner felt unstable and required scans. The decision sparked widespread debate about whether a shoulder injury justified a concussion replacement under IPL rules.
Mumbai Indians suffered a 103-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 at Wankhede Stadium, but the match was overshadowed by controversy over MI's use of Shardul Thakur as a concussion substitute for injured Mitchell Santner. Santner suffered an injury in the 17th over while completing a catch, appearing to hurt his shoulder and head. Despite being seen wearing a shoulder sling later, the substitution raised questions about whether a shoulder injury justified a concussion replacement. MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene defended the decision, stating Santner hit his head first and felt unstable. CSK's Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten century while Akeal Hosein took four wickets.
Mumbai Indians endured a 103-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium in IPL 2026, but the match was overshadowed by controversy over MI's use of Shardul Thakur as a concussion substitute for Mitchell Santner. Santner suffered injuries while attempting a catch in the 17th over, appearing to hit his head, neck and shoulder. MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene defended the decision, stating Santner felt unstable and underwent scans. The decision sparked debate given Santner was later seen wearing a shoulder sling, raising questions about whether a visible shoulder injury justified a concussion replacement. CSK climbed the table with Sanju Samson scoring an unbeaten century and Akeal Hosein taking four wickets.
Shardul Thakur came in as a concussion substitute for Mitchell Santner during Mumbai Indians' chase against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026. Santner was injured in the first innings while attempting a catch. Earlier, Sanju Samson scored his fifth IPL century (101* from 54 balls) to help CSK post 207/6. Mumbai were struggling at 95/7 when the article was written.
