Sri Lanka veteran Dinesh Chandimal was hospitalized for scans after suffering a heavy shoulder fall
The 36-year-old sustained the injury while diving to save a boundary during India's second innings
The hosts face a major blow as they await medical reports on his availability for the rest of the Test and WTC campaign
Sri Lanka suffered a severe personnel and psychological blow on Day 4 of the first Test against India at the Galle International Stadium, as experienced veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal was rushed to a local hospital for precautionary scans following a heavy, awkward fall on the field.
The unfortunate incident unfolded during the tense fourth over of India's second innings as the hosts attempted to choke the run flow and break through India's resilient batting lineup. Chandimal, patrolling the deep midwicket boundary, spotted a sharp stroke off the bat of KL Rahul racing towards the gap.
Demonstrating immense commitment, the 36-year-old launched into a high-speed sprint toward deep square leg, throwing himself into a desperate full-length dive just inches before the advertising cushions. While he successfully clawed the ball back to save two vital runs for his side, his momentum carried him over in a brutal, uncontrolled tumble.
Chandimal absorbed the entire force of the crash directly onto his right shoulder and neck as his upper body twisted unnaturally against the hard turf. Instantly showing signs of acute distress, he remained grounded, clutching his head, neck, and shoulder in severe pain.
Medical staff and team physios sprinted across the boundary ropes to attend to the senior pro. Following a tense evaluation on the field, Chandimal was assisted to his feet and walked off gingerly, visibly shaken and holding his arm in support, with substitute fielder Pasindu Sooriyabandara taking his place on the field.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) later issued a statement confirming that Chandimal was transferred off-premise for a series of precautionary scans to rule out a fracture or severe ligament damage to his shoulder joint.
The timing of the injury could hardly be worse for the hosts. Having already been dismissed for a low score of 4 runs in Sri Lanka's first innings, Chandimal's calming presence, tactical acumen, and grit in the middle-order are virtually irreplaceable as the team fights to stay competitive in the match.
. With a grueling ICC World Test Championship cycle underway, team management, teammates, and fans alike will keep an anxious vigil as they await the medical report to determine the veteran's immediate availability for the remainder of the Test.
