Newly appointed captain Dinesh Chandimal ruled out of first two Tests

Newly appointed captain Dinesh Chandimal ruled out of first two Tests

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Dinesh Chandimal, who was named Sri Lanka’s new Test skipper, has been ruled out of the Galle Test against India, it was confirmed today. After being admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, it appears that he is likely to miss the second Test of the three-match series as well.

After Angelo Mathews resigned from the post of the Sri Lanka captain, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed Chandimal as the Test captain. The 27-year-old Chandimal, who had been vice-captain of the Test side under Mathews, has also led Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket.

The Islanders' chances of winning the series after their defeat the last time India had toured them just suffered a big setback. It has been reported that he wouldn’t be able to play his first Test as a full-time captain against India which is scheduled to start on July 26. According to the Cricbuzz, Chandimal has been hospitalized with pneumonia and has most likely been ruled out of the second Test as well.

In his absence, Upul Tharanga, who was made the ODI and T20 captain at the same time as Chandimal's Test appointment, will take up the captain’s role.

The series had already seen enough drama from the Sri Lankan side with captain Angelo Matthews stepping down after they lost the ODI series 3-2 to Zimbabwe. Mathew has stated this loss as one of the lowest points in his career.

Sri Lanka will host India in a full series, which includes three Tests, five One-day Internationals, and a single Twenty20 match, from July 26.

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