Published on: Aug 18, 2026 4:21 pm IST|Updated on: Aug 18, 2026 4:21 pm IST
Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) has confirmed the inclusion of Pasindu Sooriyabandara in the second innings of the ongoing Galle Test between India and Sri Lanka. The uncapped 26-year-old right-hand batter has been granted approval to play in the final innings of the match as a formal concussion substitute for veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal. Sri Lanka is on course for a mammoth 372-run chase in the fourth innings to secure the game, and Pasindu’s inclusion comes as a blessing in disguise after Chandimal’s absence.
The veteran Sri Lankan batter Dinesh Chandimal was struck on his shoulder and head earlier on Day 4 during a fielding effort. The incident took place during India’s second innings, which saw Dinesh Chandimal sprint from deep mid-wicket toward deep square leg and execute a full-length dive to save a boundary off KL Rahul’s shot. While Chandimal successfully saved two runs, he tumbled on the ground with imperious force, twisting his head, neck, and right shoulder awkwardly on impact.
Chandimal remained on the turf in obvious agony, clutching his neck while medical officials rushed onto the field. Although he eventually walked off the ground, he was immediately transported to a medical facility in Galle for precautionary imaging scans.
Addressing the situation, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) issued an official statement outlining the medical findings and the necessity for a replacement:
“Dinesh Chandimal sustained an injury while fielding during the first session of the fourth day, hitting his shoulder and head hard on the ground. He was taken for a precautionary scan, which was clear, with no signs of internal injury.”
The statement further explained the concussion protocols that officially ruled Chandimal out of the remainder of the Test:
“Chandimal was subsequently assessed for concussion by the doctor and team physiotherapist on the ground and was ruled out after the assessment. Pasindu Sooriyabandara will replace Dinesh Chandimal as the concussion replacement. The match referee has approved the concussion replacement.”
The emergency call-up provided Sooriyabandara with a unique way to make his official Test debut. The right-handed batter earned his place in Sri Lanka’s Test squad following exceptional domestic consistency. Across 63 First-Class matches, Sooriyabandara accrued almost 5,000 runs at an impressive average of 54.36, including 14 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
Pasindu Sooriyabandara couldn’t replicate his domestic aura in his maiden Test innings as the 26-year-old got out on a golden duck. Playing only his second Test, India’s left-arm spinner Manav Suthar caught Pasindu in front of the stumps to dismiss the batter on a golden duck in his debut Test innings.
With that scalp, Team India have got two Sri Lankan batters for just 21 runs on the board at the end of 10 overs, with 352 runs more needed for the hosts in more than a day’s time. Team India have firmly held control of the match and are the favorites to clinch the game and go 1-0 up in the series. It’s just a matter of time before we see the Indian team clinch the game on the fifth day.