The Mumbai Indians lost the ‘IPL 2026 El Classico’ to Chennai Super Kings by 103 runs. However, more than that, it was them playing with 13 players that got all the limelight. It might look like MI cheated the system by having 13 players participate in the game, but it was a perfectly legal (albeit chaotic) use of the rulebook. Here is the “full-proof” breakdown of how both Danish Malewar and Shardul Thakur ended up in the same batting lineup, with neither of them being named in starting 11.
1. The Starting 11 & The Concussion (The 12th Man)
Early in the match, Mumbai’s overseas star Mitchell Santner suffered a head injury while attempting a catch (colliding with the ground or a teammate).
- The Rule: Under the ICC Concussion Substitute law (adopted by the IPL), if a player is diagnosed with a concussion, the team is allowed a “like-for-like” replacement who can participate fully in the match (bat and bowl).
- The Result: Santner was ruled out, and Shardul Thakur—who was listed as a substitute—was brought in as the Concussion Sub. Shardul became a direct replacement for Santner, meaning he inherited Santner’s spot in the batting order.
2. The Impact Player (The 13th Man)
While Shardul was already in the game as a medical replacement, MI still had their tactical Impact Player substitution available.
- The Move: In the second innings, MI chose to strengthen their batting further by bringing in Danish Malewar.
- The Sacrifice: He replaced Allah Ghazanfar (who had already finished his bowling quota).
- The Result: Danish became the 13th player to be “active” for MI in the official match record.
The “13-Man” Lineup Breakdown
| Player Status | Name | Role in Match |
| Out (Concussed) | Mitchell Santner | Bowled 4 overs, then injured. |
| In (Concussion Sub) | Shardul Thakur | Replaced Santner; Batted at No. 8. |
| Out (Tactical) | Allah Ghazanfar | Bowled 4 overs; Subbed out. |
| In (Impact Sub) | Danish Malewar | Replaced Ghazanfar; Batted at No. 1. |
Why It Isn’t “Cheating” But Still Questionable
According to the IPL Playing Conditions, the Impact Player and the Concussion Substitute are two separate regulations.
- A team is allowed one tactical Impact Sub.
- A team is allowed a Concussion Sub in addition to that if a medical emergency occurs.
Because MI suffered a genuine injury (Santner), they were able to field Shardul Thakur. However, the injury to Santner wa a shoulder one and not a concussion, (hit on the head or helmet). Thus, them getting a concussion substitute had umpires being being questioned for allowing such a change.
Lastly, because they wanted a tactical edge, they used Danish Malewar. That was purely legal. But that loophole of treating shoulder injury same as being hit on the head and thus allowing a concussion substitute, resulted in 13 players contributing to the match.