Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal had to leave the field and was rushed to the hospital for a scan after suffering a serious injury to his right shoulder and neck while fielding during the fourth day of the first Test against India in Galle on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old player got hurt while trying to save a boundary early in India’s second innings. He dived and landed awkwardly, visibly in pain as he held onto the right side of his neck and remained on the ground.
The Sri Lankan team’s physio and doctor quickly rushed to his aid before he was taken to the hospital for a detailed examination. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed he went for a precautionary scan, with more updates expected once the tests are complete.
Chandimal’s injury is particularly worrying for Team Sri Lanka as they face a tough chase in the fourth innings against India. He only managed to score four runs in the first innings, and Sri Lanka was bowled out for 284, placing India in a strong position with a hefty 178-run lead.
India Extends Their Lead on Day 4
On Tuesday, India continued to build their advantage, with Devdutt Padikkal scoring a confident 44 in the second innings. The left-handed batsman, who had previously made 167 in the first innings, played a crucial role until he got out just before lunch.
By the time the players broke for lunch, India was at 116 for four, extending their overall lead to 294 runs, with Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel batting.
Sri Lanka fell behind after India’s impressive first innings total, with Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja picking up seven wickets. Despite a century from Dinusha, Sri Lanka could only post 284 runs.
India’s second innings got off to a rocky start when Yashasvi Jaiswal edged a ball to wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella in the very first over. KL Rahul appeared to be out lbw but successfully challenged the decision using DRS before eventually scoring 35.
Captain Shubman Gill was also dismissed lbw by Prabath Jayasuriya, but Padikkal stabilized the innings with his steady performance.
In the second session, Rishabh Pant took control of the game with an explosive 66 runs, hitting eight fours and two sixes, pushing India’s lead past 350 runs.
Chandimal Ruled Out Due to Concussion
Later in the second session, the Sri Lanka Cricket board announced that Chandimal had been ruled out of the Test match due to concussion and would be replaced by debutant Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
With a substantial target ahead, Sri Lanka faces a daunting challenge in this first Test match. India, on the other hand, desperately needs a win to keep their hopes alive for the World Test Championship final.
