IPL 2025: Is Ashwani Kumar the Right Concussion Substitute for Corbin Bosch?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ashwani Kumar stepped in as a concussion substitute for Corbin Bosch.
- The incident raised concerns about player safety during the match.
- The Mumbai Indians faced a significant batting collapse.
- Concussion protocols were followed effectively.
- Player welfare remains a top priority in sports.
Mumbai, May 6 (NationPress) The Mumbai Indians were compelled to enlist pacer Ashwani Kumar as a concussion substitute for Corbin Bosch after the South African all-rounder suffered a blow to his helmet during the final over of the first innings in Match 56 of the Indian Premier League at the Wankhede Stadium.
Bosch, who contributed 27 runs off 22 balls with one four and two sixes, was hit on his helmet while attempting to play a swipe against a sharp bumper bowled by Prasidh Krishna. He received treatment from the physiotherapist on the field before getting run out on the very next delivery.
In a critical match against the Gujarat Titans, the Mumbai Indians faced a severe collapse, losing four wickets for just 26 runs after Will Jacks (53) and Suryakumar Yadav (35) had crafted a partnership of 71 runs for the third wicket. Once Surya was dismissed, followed by Jacks, Mumbai found themselves struggling at 123/7 in the 17th over after Naman Dhir was dismissed for seven runs.
As the five-time IPL champions grappled with the prospect of failing to reach 150 runs, Bosch ignited the crowd in the 20th over by smashing consecutive sixes off Prasidh Krishna.
However, on the third ball, Bosch took a direct hit to his helmet and exhibited symptoms of concussion during the mid-innings break. The Mumbai Indians adhered to the concussion protocols and brought in Ashwani Kumar as a suitable replacement.