Chandimal, who recently took over the reins from all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who stepped down from the post after Sri Lanka slumped to a 2-3 ODI series loss to Zimbabwe, led his side to a win against the same opponent in the one-off Test. (Photo:AP)

Colombo: In a big blow to Sri Lanka, newly appointed Test captain Dinesh Chandimal has been ruled out of the first Test of the three-match series against India at Galle starting July 26 after being hospitalised due to pneumonia. In his absence, left-arm spinner Rangana Herath will lead the side in Galle Test.

"The newly appointed captain, who led his side to a historic Test victory, chasing the highest ever total on Asian soil earlier this week contracted a viral influenza that has been dogging the Sri Lankan team over the past few weeks and was recommended a rest period of 3-5 days yesterday, but was hospitalised this morning when increased symptoms showed a development of Pneumonia," said Sri Lanka Cricket in a media release.

Chandimal, who recently took over the reins from all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who stepped down from the post after Sri Lanka slumped to a 2-3 ODI series loss to Zimbabwe, led his side to a win against the same opponent in the one-off Test.

The 27-year-old also became Sri Lanka's youngest-ever captain when he was appointed their T20 skipper in 2013. After the three Tests, Sri Lanka are slated to play five ODIs and a T20I.