IND vs SL: Sri Lanka suffered another setback on Day 4 of the Galle Test against India. Experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal was forced to leave the field after injuring his right shoulder and neck.
The incident happened at the end of the fourth over of the day’s play. Chandimal was trying to stop a boundary when he dived and landed awkwardly.
Chandimal in pain after diving attempt
Chandimal immediately appeared to be in discomfort after the fall. The 36-year-old was seen holding the area around his neck while remaining on the ground. The Sri Lankan medical team quickly came onto the field to assess him.
According to Sri Lanka Cricket, Chandimal was checked by the team’s physiotherapist and doctor before being taken to hospital for a precautionary scan. Further information about his injury is expected after the scan results.
Sri Lanka await Chandimal’s scan report
The immediate concern is the extent of Chandimal’s shoulder and neck injury. At this stage, there is no confirmation about how serious the injury is.
The scan will provide a clearer picture of the damage. Sri Lanka will be hoping that the injury is not severe, especially with the team already facing a difficult situation in the Test.
Another blow for Sri Lanka in Galle
Chandimal’s injury came at a difficult time for the hosts. Sri Lanka had already conceded a 178-run first-innings lead to India.
The pressure is now firmly on the home team as they face a difficult fourth-innings chase. Chandimal was also unable to make a major contribution with the bat in India’s first innings. He was dismissed for just four runs.
His experience could have been important later in the match, particularly if Sri Lanka face a challenging chase.
India hold the advantage
India have been in a strong position in the Test. After taking a significant first-innings lead, they have put Sri Lanka under pressure.
The hosts now need their experienced batters to step up. Chandimal’s injury could make that task even harder if he is unable to return to the field.
Why Chandimal’s injury matters to Sri Lanka?
The injury is more than just another interruption in the match. Chandimal is one of Sri Lanka’s experienced players.
In a tense 4th-innings chase, his ability to handle pressure could have been valuable. If the scan rules him out of the remainder of the Test, Sri Lanka could lose an important option at a crucial stage.