Full List of Concussion Substitutes in IPL History

Prioritizing Safety: The IPL Concussion Substitute Rule

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned globally for its fast-paced action, innovative gameplay, and thrilling finishes. Over the years, the league has introduced several transformative rules, such as the Impact Player system and the timed-out provision, to keep the game evolving. Among these, perhaps the most critical for player welfare is the concussion substitute rule.

Introduced to mitigate the risks associated with head and neck injuries, this regulation ensures that a team is not penalized when a player is forced to leave the field due to a concussion. By allowing a like-for-like replacement, the IPL maintains the balance of the contest while ensuring that athletes receive immediate and necessary medical attention.

Understanding the Protocol

The concussion substitute rule is straightforward yet vital. If a player sustains a confirmed or suspected concussion during a match, the team may request a replacement. Once the match referee reviews the medical assessment and grants approval, the injured athlete is replaced by a substitute who matches their skill set—be it a wicketkeeper, a fast bowler, or an all-rounder.

A History of Concussion Substitutes in the IPL

Since the implementation of this safety protocol, several instances have occurred where teams have utilized the rule to maintain their squad strength after an injury. Below is the full list of concussion substitutes recorded in the history of the tournament.

1. Vishnu Vinod for Ishan Kishan (IPL 2023)

The first-ever instance occurred during Qualifier 2 between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. Ishan Kishan collided with Chris Jordan while fielding, resulting in an elbow strike near his left eye. Following a medical evaluation, Vishnu Vinod was introduced as a like-for-like replacement to take over wicketkeeping duties.

2. Yudhvir Singh Charak for Mohsin Khan (IPL 2024)

During a fixture between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, Mohsin Khan suffered a frightening head injury while attempting a diving catch at the Ekana Stadium. After landing awkwardly, he was sidelined under concussion protocols, paving the way for pacer Yudhvir Singh Charak to join the match.

3. Ashwani Kumar for Corbin Bosch (IPL 2025)

In a match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans at Wankhede Stadium, all-rounder Corbin Bosch was struck on the helmet by a bouncer from Prasidh Krishna. Although he finished his batting stint, subsequent medical assessments revealed symptoms of a concussion, leading to the introduction of left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar.

4. Shardul Thakur for Mitchell Santner (IPL 2026)

The 2026 season saw the first concussion substitution of the year during the MI vs CSK clash. Mitchell Santner sustained injuries while taking a diving catch, with the impact affecting his head and neck upon landing. Shardul Thakur was approved as the replacement to continue the match for the team.

5. Tejasvi Dahiya for Angkrish Raghuvanshi (IPL 2026)

The most recent incident occurred during Match 65 of the 2026 season. Angkrish Raghuvanshi collided with teammate Varun Chakravarthy while fielding against the Mumbai Indians. The severity of the collision forced his withdrawal, and KKR brought in Tejasvi Dahiya to replace him.

Why This Rule Matters

The implementation of the concussion substitute rule reflects a broader commitment to athlete health in modern cricket. By removing the pressure from players to “play through” head injuries, the IPL ensures that safety is never compromised for the sake of team advantage. This evolution in the game’s laws not only protects the individual but also upholds the integrity of professional sports, ensuring that the spectacle on the field remains as safe as it is exciting.