India captain Shubman Gill produced another captaincy masterstroke on Day 4 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, making a last-second DRS call that resulted in the dismissal of concussion substitute Pasindu Sooriyabandara. The dramatic moment occurred during the eighth over of Sri Lanka’s second innings. Manav Suthar bowled a flighted delivery that struck Sooriyabandara on the pads. The Indian spinner was convinced that the batter was out, but the on-field umpire remained unmoved.
With the Indian players discussing the possibility of a review, Gill had only a second remaining on the DRS timer when he finally signalled for the review. Replays showed that the ball had stayed on course and was projected to hit the leg stump. The decision was overturned, triggering celebrations among the Indian players.
The successful review added another key moment to Sooriyabandara’s unusual Test debut. The 26-year-old was brought into Sri Lanka’s XI as a concussion substitute for veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal, who was ruled out after suffering a head, neck, and shoulder injury while fielding.
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Chandimal underwent a precautionary scan after the incident, with Sri Lanka Cricket confirming that the results were clear and showed no signs of internal injury. However, he subsequently failed his concussion assessment, and the match referee approved Sooriyabandara’s replacement.
Shubman Gill with a successful DRS at the very last second. 😭😭
– SL are 2 down, Manav and Siraj with 1-1 wicket. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4IClTbCv9F
— Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) August 18, 2026
Shubman Gill never beating the “taking DRS when 1 second is left” allegations. 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/G0iZkl93aG
— Ahmed Says (@AhmedGT_) August 18, 2026
Sooriyabandara became one of the few players in Test history to receive his maiden Test cap as a substitute. His first-class record had already made him an interesting replacement, with 4,893 runs in 102 innings at an impressive average of 54.36. He has also registered 14 centuries and 23 fifties.
The batter had featured in Sri Lanka’s tour match against India before the Test, scoring 35 and four across his two innings. Despite his limited international experience, he has already made an impact in Galle, including a stunning catch to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja earlier in the match.
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Sri Lanka was chasing a daunting target of 372 after India was bowled out for 350 in their second innings. Rishabh Pant led the Indian batting effort with a superb 66 off 69 balls, bringing up his 20th Test half-century. KL Rahul scored 35, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed 44.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Asitha Fernando’s four-wicket haul, kept India from extending the target further. Prabath Jayasuriya claimed three wickets, while Lahiru Kumara and Keshara Nuwantha took two and one, respectively. With Sri Lanka needing 372 for victory, Gill’s last-second DRS call provided India with another crucial breakthrough as the visitors continued to push for victory in Galle.
