Watch: Dinesh Chandimal taken to hospital for scans after freak injury on Day 4 of SL vs IND 1st Test

Dinesh Chandimal suffered an injury scare early on Day 4 of the first Test against India in Galle. The Sri Lanka batter hurt his shoulder and neck while diving near the boundary to stop a shot from KL Rahul. He appeared to land awkwardly and immediately showed signs of discomfort.

Chandimal needed help from the Sri Lankan medical staff before leaving the field and going to the dressing room. The team physiotherapist assessed him soon after the incident. He was later taken to hospital for a precautionary scan on his shoulder and neck.

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that Chandimal was taken to hospital for further checks. The board said he was assessed by the team physiotherapist and doctor on the ground before being sent for the scan. Further updates on his condition will be given after the scan results are available.

Watch the moment Chandimal walks off after Injury:

Sri Lanka batter hurts shoulder and neck while diving to save a boundary on Day 4 in Galle

Following the initial assessment, Dinesh Chandimal was taken to hospital for precautionary scans to check the extent of his injury. The scans are understood to be precautionary, with the Sri Lankan team waiting for more clarity on his condition.

Chandimal covered considerable ground from deep midwicket towards deep square leg before diving to stop a sweep from KL Rahul. He managed to prevent a boundary and restricted India to two runs, but landed heavily after the dive. He appeared to be in pain and was seen holding the back of his neck and shoulder.

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The Sri Lankan team physio and doctor quickly came onto the field to assess Chandimal before he was helped off. The 36-year-old scored four runs off 16 balls in the first innings before being dismissed by Manav Suthar. Chandimal was also seen holding his neck and head while receiving treatment near the boundary.

Could Sri Lanka get a concussion substitute? What the scan results mean for the rest of the Test

Dinesh Chandimal eventually got back on his feet and slowly made his way towards the dressing room. He was unable to continue fielding, with Pasindu Sooriyabandara coming on as Sri Lanka’s substitute fielder.

The extent of Chandimal’s injury will be clearer after the scan results. If the scans show a serious neck injury or a concussion, Sri Lanka could request a concussion substitute for the rest of the Test. Sooriyabandara, a reserve top-order batter in the squad, could be an option.

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Chandimal had a quiet outing with the bat in Sri Lanka’s first innings. The 36-year-old scored only four runs before being dismissed by Manav Suthar. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 284 and conceded a 178-run lead to India.

India get off to a poor start in the second innings on Day 4

Sri Lanka’s medical team is expected to provide an update on Dinesh Chandimal’s condition after his scans. So far, there has been no indication of a serious injury, but the extent of his shoulder and neck discomfort will be known after further assessment. Sri Lanka will hope the veteran batter recovers quickly and remains available for the rest of the Test.

India took a 178-run lead after bowling Sri Lanka out for 284 in the first innings. Chandimal scored only four runs, but his experience could be important for Sri Lanka as they look to save the match. The hosts will hope he can return to the field if he is cleared by the medical team.

India also had a poor start to their second innings on Day 4. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck before KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal added 65 runs together. Prabath Jayasuriya then dismissed Rahul for 35, while captain Shubman Gill scored only eight runs. India lost three wickets for 81 runs, but Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja steadied the innings. At the time of writing, India were 151/5, leading Sri Lanka by 329 runs.