Chandimal off for scans after shoulder and neck injury on Day 4 in Galle
Synopsis
Dinesh Chandimal's diving stop in the first session of Day 4 ended with him being stretchered off for hospital scans — a potentially significant blow to Sri Lanka's already slim hopes. With India leading by 262 runs and Chandimal having contributed just 4 in the first innings, the injury piles pressure on a home side already on the back foot.
Key Takeaways
Dinesh Chandimal sustained a right shoulder and neck injury while fielding on Day 4 of the first Test in Galle on 18 August .
He was taken to hospital for a precautionary scan after assessment by the team physiotherapist and doctor.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284 in their first innings, conceding a 178-run lead to India.
Manav Suthar was India's standout bowler with 4 for 76 ; Ravindra Jadeja added 3 for 57 .
India were 84 for 3 in the first session of Day 4, leading by 262 runs , with Devdutt Padikkal (41*) and Rishabh Pant (4*) at the crease.
Dinesh Chandimal was taken to hospital for precautionary scans on Day 4 of the first Test between Sri Lanka and India in Galle after sustaining a right shoulder and neck injury while fielding during the first session on Tuesday, 18 August. The injury dealt a fresh blow to the already-struggling home side, who trail India by a substantial margin.
How the Injury Happened
Chandimal was fielding at deep backward square leg when India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul played a sweep shot in that direction. The 36-year-old moved across from the left and slid to restrict the ball to two runs, but in doing so tumbled over completely, with his entire body weight landing on his neck. He was seen clutching the back of his neck immediately after the incident.
The team physiotherapist attended to him on the ground before he was forced off the field. Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed in a statement: 'He was assessed by the team physiotherapist and doctor on the ground and has been taken to the hospital for a precautionary scan,' adding that 'further updates will be provided once the scan results are available.'
Chandimal's Role in the Match
Chandimal, who bats at number three, managed only 4 runs from 16 balls in Sri Lanka's first innings before being dismissed by Manav Suthar. The young Indian spinner was the standout performer on Day 3, claiming 4 wickets for 76 runs and impressing with sharp turn and bounce. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284 at stumps on Day 3, conceding a first-innings deficit of 178 runs.
India's Commanding Position
Veteran allrounder Ravindra Jadeja complemented Suthar's effort with a return of 3 for 57, while Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna each claimed a wicket to complete a clinical bowling display. India have been firmly in control throughout the contest.
At the time of writing, India were 84 for 3 in the first session of Day 4, extending their overall lead to 262 runs, with Devdutt Padikkal unbeaten on 41 and Rishabh Pant on 4 at the crease.
What Happens Next
Chandimal's availability for the remainder of the match depends on the scan results. His absence in the field compounds Sri Lanka's difficulties, with India pressing for a decisive advantage in the series opener. The home side will hope for a positive medical update ahead of the afternoon session.
Point of View
Only to sustain fresh setbacks. His first-innings dismissal for 4 by the relatively untested Manav Suthar already signalled a mismatch; his absence in the field now removes one of the team's senior presences at a critical juncture. With India pressing for a commanding second-innings lead, Sri Lanka's path back into this match was already narrow. The scan results will determine whether they must navigate the rest of the game without one of their most experienced batters — a scenario that would make an already difficult series opener very close to unwinnable.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What injury did Dinesh Chandimal sustain in the Galle Test?
Chandimal injured his right shoulder and neck while diving to field a sweep shot from KL Rahul during the first session of Day 4 in Galle. He was assessed on the ground and subsequently taken to hospital for precautionary scans.
When will Sri Lanka Cricket provide an update on Chandimal's condition?
Sri Lanka Cricket stated that further updates will be provided once the scan results are available. No timeline has been specified.
How did Chandimal perform with the bat in the first innings?
Chandimal scored 4 runs from 16 balls before being dismissed by Indian spinner Manav Suthar, who took 4 for 76 on Day 3.
What is India's lead over Sri Lanka in the Galle Test?
India extended their lead to 262 runs in the first session of Day 4, with Devdutt Padikkal and Rishabh Pant batting. Sri Lanka conceded a 178-run first-innings deficit after being bowled out for 284.
Who were India's top bowlers in Sri Lanka's first innings?
Manav Suthar was the standout with 4 for 76, while Ravindra Jadeja took 3 for 57. Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna each claimed one wicket.
