Chandimal ruled out after shoulder injury, Sooriyabandara makes Test debut

Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Chandimal has been replaced by Pasindu Sooriyabandara as a concussion substitute after suffering a shoulder and neck injury while fielding in Galle

Sri Lanka have been forced into a change during the first Test against India after Dinesh Chandimal suffered a shoulder and neck injury while attempting a diving stop in the deep.

Chandimal was fielding on the leg-side boundary during India's second innings when he sprinted across from deep midwicket and launched himself towards a shot from KL Rahul. Although he prevented two runs, he landed heavily on his shoulder and tumbled awkwardly, with his neck also taking the impact.

The batter immediately appeared to be in significant discomfort and was attended to by Sri Lanka's medical staff before making his way slowly from the field.

Scan clears Chandimal of serious injury

Chandimal was subsequently taken to hospital for precautionary scans.

Sri Lanka Cricket later confirmed that the scans were clear and showed no signs of internal injury, although the right-hander remained unavailable to continue in the match.

He had earlier made only 4 runs in Sri Lanka's first innings as the hosts were dismissed for 284, leaving India with a first-innings advantage of 178 runs.

Sooriyabandara handed Test debut

With Chandimal unable to return to the field, Pasindu Sooriyabandara was approved as his concussion replacement.

The replacement was confirmed late in the second session, giving Sooriyabandara his Test debut.

The 25-year-old has an impressive first-class record, having scored 14 centuries and averaging 54.36 across 68 matches. He was also part of Sri Lanka's squad for their tour of the West Indies and retained his place for the ongoing series.

Sooriyabandara immediately made an impact in the field, producing an excellent running catch to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja for 8 during the 43rd over.

Sri Lanka facing a difficult situation

Chandimal's injury comes at a challenging stage of the Test for Sri Lanka.

The hosts made 284 in response to India's 462, leaving them 178 runs behind before the fourth day's play began.

With Chandimal unable to contribute further, Sri Lanka will now rely on their remaining batters and their new concussion substitute as they attempt to stay competitive against India in Galle.

Catch the match live updates, highlights, and full match coverage on CricRadio. Get fast, accurate, and ad-free updates throughout the game. Download the CricRadio app from the Play Store to stay connected. You can also get the live scores of cricket series directly on the CricRadio website for real-time coverage.