Dinesh Chandimal's Concussion Substitute Announced For Sri Lanka Vs India 1st Test

Dinesh Chandimal during IND vs SL 1st Test (Source: AP Photos)

Sri Lanka on Tuesday (August 18) announced Dinesh Chandimal's concussion substitute during their first Test of the two-match series against India, which took place in Galle. They named Pasindu Sooriyabandara as the replacement for Chandimal, who was taken to hospital earlier.

Chandimal injured his shoulder and neck while fielding against India when he attempted to save a boundary. It was a shot came off KL Rahul’s bat, and later on, the 36-year-old had no chance to return to the field.

Dinesh Chandimal's Concussion Substitute Confirmed By Officials

Sri Lanka Vs India 1st Test match officials approved Pasindu Sooriyabandara as Dinesh Chandimal's concussion substitute. 

On-field umpires Sharfuddoula Saikat and Rod Tucker and third umpire Ahsan Raza, along with match referee Andy Pycroft, have all agreed to give Sooriyabandara an opportunity after Chandimal’s setback.

“Pasindu Sooriybandara comes in as the 'concussion replacement' for Dinesh Chandimal,” Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Dinesh Chandimal sustained an injury while fielding during the first session of the day 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.

“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.”

How Dinesh Chandimal Picked Up The Injury

After the ball came off KL Rahul’s bat, Chandimal ran from the deep midwicket region towards deep square leg. His outrageous dive helped Sri Lanka to save two runs, but Chandimal was in serious pain before team physiotherapist, and doctor came to check him alongside his team members.

Also Read: Shubman Gill Goes Full Superman To Grab A One-Handed Worldie Vs Sri Lanka

Even though Chandimal somehow managed to walk into the dressing room after getting to his feet, he was visually in too much pain. Soon after, he was taken to the hospital, and Sooriyabandara came in as a substitute fielder before eventually becoming Dinesh Chandimal's concussion substitute.

[Test Debut As A Concussion Substitute]

Who Is Pasindu Sooriyabandara?

This will be Test debut for Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who previously played for Sri Lanka in 2018. Back then, he was with the squad when India U19 toured Sri Lanka for two Tests and five ODIs.

There, Sooriyabandara made 230 runs in four Test innings, including a well-crafted 115.

A right-handed batter, Sooriyabandara averages 54.36 in First-Class cricket after 68 matches, aggregating 4893 runs. Even though he has played many List A and T20s matches, red-ball cricket suits his playing style.

Safe to say, if Sooriyabandara performs impressively as Dinesh Chandimal's concussion substitute, it could be the end for Sri Lanka veteran, who averages 34.6 after 5 innings, tallying 173 runs.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant Becomes 1st Indian To Hit 100 Test Sixes, Tops Elite List