Jayawardene Explains Santner Concussion Substitution With Shardul

MUMBAI-Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene said Mumbai Indians all-rounder Mitchell Santner was taken for a scan after complaining of dizziness, leading the team to request Mumbai Indians pacer Shardul Thakur as a concussion substitute during the IPL match against Chennai Super Kings.

Questions were raised after Shardul Thakur replaced Santner during Mumbai Indians’ chase despite not being part of the original playing XI.

Santner had walked off the field holding his shoulder after running in from sweeper cover to complete a diving catch to dismiss Chennai Super Kings batter Kartik Sharma. Television replays showed the New Zealand all-rounder’s head hit the ground during the attempt.

Earlier in the chase, Mumbai Indians had substituted Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghazanfar with Mumbai Indians opener Danish Malewar as their impact player. Later, with the innings under pressure, Shardul came in to bat at No. 8 as a concussion substitute.

Explaining the decision, Jayawardene said Santner reported feeling unsteady after returning from the field.

“I think he hit his head first, neck, obviously the shoulder as well. He went for a scan because once he got back, he felt dizzy. So, he was lying down. Yes, the ice was there for the shoulder. But he felt that he wasn’t stable. So, we took him for a scan in that situation. We requested (for a concussion substitute).”

“Obviously, it is at the match referee and the umpire’s discretion. They allowed Shardul. Mitch will be disappointed that his batting powers are matched to Shardul Thakur. But it is what it is. But hopefully, it’s not too bad,” Jayawardene said at the post-match press conference. (IANS)