Sri Lanka has opted to bring in Pasindu Sooriyabandara as a concussion substitute for former captain Dinesh Chandimal on day four for the first Test in Galle on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old will replace the veteran batter was forced off the field with a shoulder injury earlier on in the day.
This is the third instance of a Sri Lankan player being brought in as a concussion sub in Test cricket. Pacer Vishwa Fernando replaced Kasun Rajitha against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2022.
Chamika Gunasekara also came on in place of Rajitha against Afghanistan in Colombo (SSC) in 2024.
“Dinesh Chandimal sustained an injury to his right shoulder and neck while diving to prevent a boundary while fielding during the first session of day 4,’” said a statement for Sri Lanka Cricket.
“He was assessed by the team physiotherapist and doctor on the ground and has been taken to the hospital for a precautionary scan,” it added.
Sooriyabandara was part of the Sri Lanka Cricket XI for the tour match against India last week, where he registered scores of 35 and four across two innings.
Chandimal scored four from 16 balls in the first innings for the host, before being dismissed by Manav Suthar.
Published on Aug 18, 2026
