Full List of Concussion Substitutes in IPL History: Every Incident Explained

Understanding the IPL Concussion Substitute Rule

The Indian Premier League is globally renowned for its high-octane entertainment and constant evolution through innovative playing conditions. While rules like the Impact Player or the timed-out regulation often dominate headlines, the concussion substitute rule remains one of the most significant developments in the league’s history, specifically designed to prioritize player safety above all else.

As cricket involves high-speed balls and intense physical maneuvers, the risk of head and neck injuries is an unfortunate reality. The concussion substitute rule ensures that teams are not unfairly penalized when a player suffers a confirmed or suspected concussion during a match. According to current playing conditions, once a medical assessment confirms a concussion and the match referee grants approval, a team is permitted to bring in a ‘like-for-like’ replacement to complete the remainder of the game.

A History of Player Safety: The Concussion Substitute List

Over the past few seasons, the league has seen several instances where teams have had to activate this protocol to protect their athletes. Below is the complete record of concussion substitutes utilized in the IPL to date.

1. Vishnu Vinod for Ishan Kishan (IPL 2023)

The precedent for the rule was set during Qualifier 2 of the 2023 season. Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan suffered a collision with Chris Jordan while fielding, resulting in an impact near his eye. Following medical evaluation, the team brought in Vishnu Vinod as a like-for-like replacement, marking the first time this rule was invoked in the tournament’s history.

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

During the 2024 edition, a scary incident occurred at the Ekana Stadium involving Lucknow Super Giants’ pacer Mohsin Khan. While attempting a difficult diving catch, Mohsin landed awkwardly on his head. After immediate medical checks, he was ruled out of the game due to concussion protocols, and Yudhvir Singh Charak stepped in as his replacement.

3. Ashwani Kumar for Corbin Bosch (IPL 2025)

The 2025 season saw an incident during the MI vs GT clash at the Wankhede Stadium. All-rounder Corbin Bosch was struck on the helmet by a sharp bouncer from Prasidh Krishna. Although he managed to finish his batting cameo, medical assessment later revealed concussion symptoms, leading the team to introduce left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar.

4. Shardul Thakur for Mitchell Santner (IPL 2026)

The 2026 season witnessed its first invocation during the high-stakes MI vs CSK match. Mitchell Santner sustained injuries while taking a diving catch in the deep. While shoulder issues were initially suspected, it was later confirmed that Santner had experienced head and neck trauma upon impact with the ground. Shardul Thakur was subsequently approved by the match referee to enter the fray.

5. Tejasvi Dahiya for Angkrish Raghuvanshi (IPL 2026)

The most recent incident occurred during Match 65 of the 2026 season. Kolkata Knight Riders’ Angkrish Raghuvanshi collided with his teammate Varun Chakravarthy while fielding. Unable to continue, Raghuvanshi was replaced by Tejasvi Dahiya under the concussion substitute provision, ensuring the integrity of the game while maintaining the highest standard of player welfare.

The Importance of Like-for-Like Replacements

The core philosophy of this rule is the concept of the ‘like-for-like’ substitute. The match referee is tasked with ensuring that the replacement player does not provide the team with a tactical advantage that the original player would not have offered. This ensures that the competitive balance of the match remains intact despite the unfortunate circumstances of an injury.

As cricket continues to evolve, the implementation of such safety protocols is a testament to the league’s commitment to its athletes. By allowing for immediate medical withdrawal without sacrificing a spot in the playing XI, the IPL sets a positive example for sporting organizations worldwide, proving that while winning is important, the health of the players will always be the top priority.