Chandimal sustained neck injury on Day 4 [Source: AFP]Midway through the first Test match against India in Galle, Sri Lanka sustained a huge injury blow, one that can hamper their chances in the second innings. Veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal injured himself near the boundary rope and was quickly taken off the field.He was assessed by the physio and doctor on the ground, and Chandimal looked in immense pain as he was taken to a nearby hospital for further scans.Chandimal sustains neck injury, taken to hospitalThe unfortunate incident occurred in the 4th over of the Indian innings when KL Rahul swept a tossed-up delivery towards the deep square leg region, and Chandimal parried it back with his full-throttle diving attempt.While he saved two crucial runs, in the process, the Sri Lankan player suffered a neck injury as his head bumped into the ground in an awkward position. He was quickly rushed to the hospital for further scans, as Pasindu Sooriyabandara came onto the field as his replacement.His participation in the remainder of the first Test remains in jeopardy, and it all depends on his test results.UPDATE ON DINESH CHANDIMAL'S INJURY FROM SRI LANKA CRICKET: Chandimal sustained an injury on his right shoulder and neck, he was assessed by the physio and doctor on the ground and has been taken to the hospital for scans. More updates to follow.Why Chandimal's injury comes as a blow for Sri LankaThe experienced Sri Lankan batter failed in the first innings of the Galle Test against India, but the Lankan Lions will miss his services if he fails to recover in time to bat in the fourth innings.Also Read: Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella Create Massive Test Record For Sri Lanka Against IndiaThe right-handed batter is one of the best players of spin in the Sri Lankan lineup, and if he is unavailable in the fourth innings, the team will play with one batter less, and that could hamper their run chase.Teams take precautions when a player sustains neck injuries, and the management might be forced to play with just nine players if Chandimal is not cleared in time to bat in the run chase.Moreover, the hosts will also miss his stellar Test record against India as Sri Lanka aim to chase down the target set by Shubman Gill’s India.Chandimal's excellent Test record against IndiaThe 36-year-old has been a brilliant servant for Sri Lankan cricket, and he also boasts a terrific Test record against them. In fact, the last time he batted in the second innings against India at Galle, the batter slammed a match-winning hundred in 2015.Chandimal has played nine Tests against India, and he has racked up 754 runs, with an average of 47.13, including two centuries and three fifty-plus scores.The hosts are set to chase a big total in the fourth innings, and Chandimal’s excellent Test record against India could come in handy for them if the batter gets medical clearance in time to bat against a rampant Indian attack.Also Read: Italy Enter Race To World Cup 2027; Eye Qualifier Play-Off To Create History
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