Why is Shardul Thakur batting despite missing XI? Surprise twist in MI vs CSK IPL 2026 explained

The Chennai Super Kings were well over the Mumbai Indians (MI) from the start of their bowling during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, as the home side didn’t get any start in their 208-run chase on a surface, which many reckoned was too good to chase 250 runs.

But the question in everyone’s mind was how Shardul Thakur walked out to bat at number eight despite not being in the playing eleven or being in the impact player. It was Mitchell Santner, who was supposed to be batting at that position, having shown his presence in the field during the first innings.

How Shardul Thakur came in to bat without being in playing XI

It was the fifth delivery of the 17th over of the innings when the rusty knock from Kartik Sharma for 18 runs off 19 balls came to an end. It was a mediocre knock by the youngster. It was the full toss towards the right-handed batter, who whipped it towards the deep square leg as Santner was stationed at this position.

The New Zealand T20I captain dived forward and completed a fine catch. But he banged his finger into the ground while grabbing the catch, which put massive pressure on his shoulder, which was already healing from the previous injury, having pushed him to miss a few games in the IPL 2026.

Mitchell Santner soon called the physio, who took him to the dressing room before the camera showed that his shoulder was strapped to hold it together. Somehow, Mumbai was able to get the concussion substitute in the form of Shardul Thakur.

See Also: Watch: Highlights from Sanju Samson’s 54-ball 101* during MI vs CSK clash in IPL 2026

However, there was no way the officials should have qualified the pace bowling all-rounder as a concussion sub despite Santner getting injured in the shoulder.

Earlier in the game, CSK was restricted to a strong score of 207 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs as Sanju Samson remained unbeaten on 101 runs off 54 balls with the help of 187.04 with the help of 10 boundaries and six sixes.

Concussion substitute rule explained – the real reason behind the confusion

The cricket concussion substitute rule has allowed a player to be replaced by a like-for-like substitute if they sustain a head or neck injury, which should be verified by a medical professional. The replacement requires ICC Match Referee approval, with the new player being permitted to bat or bowl for the rest of the game.  

This measure prioritizes player safety by ensuring that they don’t continue after a brain injury. To present any potential misuse, the teams are now required to submit a list of five potential concussion subs.  

Brief Scores: CSK 207/6 (Sanju Samson 101*, AM Ghazanfar 2/25) beat MI 104 (T Varma 37, Akeal Hossein 4/17) by 103 runs.

Fans left stunned as unusual moment sparks debate online

Here is how the fans have reacted shockingly to the replacement in IPL 2026-