IPL 2026: Raghuvanshi injury forces KKR concussion sub vs Mumbai Indians
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Kolkata Knight Riders' in-form batter and stand-in wicketkeeper, was forced off the field after injuring his hand in a mid-field collision during match 65 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Mumbai Indians at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, 20 May. Ramandeep Singh was officially named as the concussion substitute for the run chase, while Tejasvi Singh stepped in as the temporary wicketkeeper for the remainder of Mumbai Indians' innings.
How the Incident Unfolded
The collision occurred during the 11th over of Mumbai Indians' innings. Tilak Varma top-edged a delivery from spinner Varun Chakaravarthy high into the air, bringing both Raghuvanshi and Chakaravarthy converging on the catch. The two collided awkwardly, allowing Tilak to escape dismissal. Raghuvanshi appeared to hurt his hand and walked off the field shortly after.
KKR initially deployed Tejasvi Singh as the substitute wicketkeeper to see out the rest of the innings. The team subsequently confirmed the official concussion substitution, with Ramandeep replacing Raghuvanshi for the chase. 'Ramandeep Singh has replaced Angkrish Raghuvanshi as a concussion substitute,' KKR posted on X.
Raghuvanshi's Impact This Season
The timing of the injury is a significant blow for KKR. The 22-year-old has been one of the team's most dependable performers in IPL 2026, amassing 422 runs in 12 innings at an average of 42.20 and a strike rate of 146.52. He has struck five half-centuries this season, including three in his last four innings, cementing his place as a key figure in the middle order.
Ramandeep's Difficult Season
Ramandeep, who steps in as the concussion replacement, has struggled for consistency in IPL 2026. Before losing his place in the playing XI last month, the all-rounder managed only 82 runs in six innings. His return under these circumstances adds an element of uncertainty to KKR's batting line-up at a critical juncture of the tournament.
Playoff Implications for KKR
KKR entered this fixture needing wins in their remaining matches to keep their playoff hopes alive. Losing Raghuvanshi — even temporarily — disrupts a batting order that had found rhythm in recent games. The franchise will be hoping the injury is not serious enough to rule him out of their remaining fixtures, as the tournament heads into its final stages.