Concussion sub debut ends in first-ball duck: Pasindu Sooriyabandara's Galle nightmare
India Today · India Today Sports Desk · 2026-08-18T18:48:53+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Concussion sub debut ends in first-ball duck: Pasindu Sooriyabandara's Galle nightmare
Pasindu Sooriyabandara came in as Sri Lanka's concussion substitute for Dinesh Chandimal in Galle. However, his moment in the spotlight ended in dramatic fashion as he was dismissed for a first-ball duck.
Pasindu Sooryabandara wouldn't have envisioned getting his chance to play against India in the first Test in Galle. He was happily sitting in the dugout when duty called, and he had to step up to replace the veteran Dinesh Chandimal.
The 36-year-old was forced off with an injury after hurting his shoulder and neck while trying to prevent a boundary at the start of India's second innings. Chandimal made a desperate dive but landed heavily, leaving him visibly distressed. He remained down for some time, holding the right side of his neck as medical staff attended to him.
SL vs IND Live: 1st Test Day 4 Updates
A statement from Sri Lanka cricket followed and Sooryabandara was ready to come in.
"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," read the statement.
THINGS FALL APART FOR SOORYABANDARA
Sri Lanka were given a mammoth total of 372 runs to chase and found themselves immediately on the backfoot as Nishan Madushka fell cheaply to a well-set trap from Mohammed Siraj.
This allowed Sooryabandara to come in, and he was hoping to offer some resistance. He played during the SLC XI vs India warm-up game and scored 35 and four runs in the two innings.
However, in Galle, Manav Suthar had his number as the Indian spinner got him trapped infront of the stumps. Initially, the on-field umpire didn't agree but captain Shubman Gill went for the review.
It was a superb one to take as all three reds lit up on DRS and Sooryabandara was sent back to the pavilion.
Sri Lanka lost Kamindu Mendis soon after and found themselves in big trouble before the end of Day 4.