Chandimal suffers awkward fall in the field

Dinesh Chandimal has been ruled out of the ongoing Galle Test against India after suffering a concussion in a nasty on-field incident on Day 4. The 36-year-old Sri Lankan batter was taken to hospital for precautionary scans and has been replaced in the match by Pasindu Sooriyabandara as a concussion substitute, with the match referee approving the replacement.

The injury occurred at the end of the fourth over of India's second innings. Chandimal sprinted from deep midwicket towards deep square leg in an attempt to save a boundary off the bat of KL Rahul. While he managed to prevent two runs, he tumbled awkwardly after crossing the boundary line, with his body twisting over his upper body during the fall.

Chandimal appeared to be in immediate discomfort, clutching his right shoulder, head and neck while remaining on the ground. He was assessed on the field by the Sri Lankan team doctor and physiotherapist before gingerly walking off the ground. A statement from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed he was subsequently taken to hospital for precautionary scans, though there were no signs of internal injury.

Chandimal had earlier been dismissed for just 4 in Sri Lanka's first innings, as the hosts were bowled out for 284, conceding a substantial 178-run first-innings lead to India, who had posted 462.

Sooriyabandara earns maiden Test call-up

Replacing Chandimal in the lineup is 26-year-old Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who will be making his Test debut. The right-hander boasts an impressive first-class record, averaging 54.36 across 68 matches with 14 centuries to his name. The concussion substitute was approved by the match referee, allowing Sooriyabandara to step into the side for the remainder of the match.

India tighten grip on Galle Test

Meanwhile, India strengthened their commanding position during the opening session on Day 4. After bowling Sri Lanka out for 284 on Day 3 and securing a 178-run first-innings lead, India reached 116/4 at lunch, extending their overall advantage to 294 runs.

India suffered an early setback when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck by Asitha Fernando off the third ball of the opening over. However, KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal steadied the innings with a 64-run partnership for the second wicket. Rahul made 35 before falling to Prabath Jayasuriya, who also removed India captain Shubman Gill for 8.

Padikkal continued to counter the Sri Lankan bowlers and contributed a valuable 44 before being trapped lbw shortly before lunch. Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 21 at the interval as India firmly tightened their grip on the contest.

Brief scores: India 462 & 116/4 (Rishabh Pant 21*, Devdutt Padikkal 44; Prabath Jayasuriya 2/42) lead Sri Lanka 284 by 294 runs.