Who is Pasindu Sooryabandara? All about Sri Lanka’s concussion replacement in India vs Sri Lanka Test Series 2026

Pasindu Sooryabandara could hardly have expected to feature against India in the first Test in Galle. He was sitting in the dugout when an unexpected opportunity came his way, as he was called upon to replace veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal.

The 36-year-old Chandimal was forced to leave the field after suffering a shoulder and neck injury while attempting to stop a boundary early in India's second innings. He made a full-length dive but landed awkwardly and appeared to be in considerable discomfort. Chandimal stayed on the ground for several moments, clutching the right side of his neck as the medical team rushed over to assess him.

Who is Pasindu Sooryabandara

Pasindu Sooriyabandara is a Sri Lankan right-handed batter, born on October 19, 1999, in Colombo. He is 26 years old and has represented Sri Lanka at senior level, as well as Sri Lanka A and Sri Lanka Under-19.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara Named Concussion Replacement

Sri Lanka sought a concussion replacement after Dinesh Chandimal was forced off the field. The request was reviewed and formally approved by the match referee. Pasindu Sooriyabandara was subsequently named as Chandimal’s like-for-like concussion replacement and will take the field as Sri Lanka face a crucial stage of the first Test.

India Set Sri Lanka A Target Of 372 Runs

India were dismissed for 193 in their second innings, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target of 372 runs for victory. The hosts now face a demanding final-innings chase on a deteriorating Galle pitch.

Sri Lanka’s pace attack used a sustained barrage of short deliveries to put India’s lower order under pressure and trigger a collapse. However, the visitors still managed to extend their overall lead beyond 370 runs, leaving Sri Lanka with a tense run chase in the series opener.