The concussion substitute rule in the Indian Premier League allows teams to replace a player who has suffered a confirmed or suspected concussion from
a head or neck injury.
Teams nominate potential substitutes before the toss, and the match referee approves the replacement after a medical assessment. The substitute must be a like-for-like replacement in terms of role, and the original player cannot return to the match. This rule prioritizes player safety and remains separate from the Impact Player rule.
Tejasvi Dahiya replaces Angkrish Raghuvanshi
The latest player who has been introduced as a concussion sub is Kolkata Knight Riders' Tejasvi Dahiya, who replaced Angkrish Raghuvanshi in the IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians. Raghuvanshi had a collision with Varun Chakravarthy during KKR's bowling, and he left the field soon after. And Raghuvanshi will be unable to bat, paving way for Tejasvi
IPL Concussion Subs over the Years
As of May 2026, documented cases of concussion substitutes in IPL history remain limited due to strict medical protocols. Here are the instances with details:
Vishnu Vinod for Ishan Kishan
Vishnu Vinod became the first concussion substitute in IPL history during IPL 2023 in Qualifier 2 between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. Ishan Kishan sustained a concussion after an accidental collision with teammate Chris Jordan while fielding. Vinod, a wicketkeeper-batter, entered as the replacement. He later batted in the innings following the use of another substitute under the Impact Player rule.
Yudhvir Singh Charak for Mohsin Khan
In an IPL 2024 match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders, Yudhvir Singh Charak replaced Mohsin Khan. Khan suffered a head injury while attempting a diving catch in the outfield and was ruled out after medical evaluation. Yudhvir, a young fast bowler, came in as a like-for-like bowling replacement and made an immediate impact by taking a wicket with his first ball.
Ashwani Kumar for Corbin Bosch
During IPL 2025 in a match between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, Ashwani Kumar substituted for all-rounder Corbin Bosch. Bosch was hit on the helmet by a sharp bouncer from Prasidh Krishna in the 20th over. After playing a quick cameo, he displayed concussion symptoms during assessment and was replaced. Ashwani Kumar, a left-arm fast bowler, entered as the approved like-for-like replacement.
Shardul Thakur for Mitchell Santner
In IPL 2026, during a match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede Stadium, Shardul Thakur replaced Mitchell Santner. Santner injured himself while completing a low catch off Jasprit Bumrah in the 17th over, with involvement of his shoulder, head, and neck after falling heavily. Following scans and medical protocol, the replacement was approved. This case sparked some debate regarding the nature of the injury, but Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene defended it by citing head and neck contact along with the player's instability. Shardul batted lower in the order.
