SL vs IND 2026: Pasindu Sooriyabandara replaces Dinesh Chandimal as concussion substitute

Pasindu Sooriyabandara replaced Dinesh Chandimal as concussion substitute on Day 4 of the first Test between Sri Lanka and India at Galle on August 18, 2026. Chandimal sustained a shoulder and neck injury while diving to prevent a boundary during the first session of India's second innings and was subsequently taken to hospital for precautionary scans.

The injury occurred in the fourth over of India's second innings when Chandimal attempted to cut off a shot played by KL Rahul. He dived and landed awkwardly, prompting the Sri Lanka team physiotherapist and doctor to assess him on the ground before deciding he required further evaluation at a medical facility.

"Dinesh Chandimal sustained an injury to his right shoulder and neck while diving to prevent a boundary while fielding during the first session of day 4. He was assessed by the team physiotherapist and doctor on the ground and has been taken to the hospital for a precautionary scan," Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

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Chandimal's involvement in the match had already been limited before the fielding incident. He contributed 4 runs from 16 balls in Sri Lanka's first innings, and his exit from the field on Day 4 effectively ended his participation in the contest. The incident itself was brief but significant.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara, born October 19, 1999, is 26 years old and serves as the reserve top-order batter in Sri Lanka's squad for the series against India. His role in the squad was specifically designed to provide cover in situations where a senior batter becomes unavailable, making his selection as Chandimal's replacement a straightforward one for the team management.

Sooriyabandara had earlier featured for the Sri Lanka Cricket XI in the tour match against India ahead of the Test series, giving him match practice in the lead-up to the Galle Test. His inclusion as concussion substitute on Day 4 reflected the preparation the team had put in place for contingencies of this nature.