The controversy surrounding Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando has continued to attract attention after their heated exchange during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo. The incident occurred shortly after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal in the first session, with the India opener turning back after receiving a send-off from the pacer. Jaiswal has now addressed the incident publicly, responding to a social media video that discussed whether he had gone too far during the confrontation.
Yashasvi Jaiswal responds to criticism after Asitha Fernando spat
Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 at the SSC after Fernando produced a nip-backer to end his stay at the crease. Earlier in the over, the left-hander had struck the pacer for three boundaries. As Jaiswal walked back towards the dressing room, Fernando appeared to give him a send-off. The India opener then turned around and confronted the Sri Lankan pacer, leading to a heated exchange between the two.
During the confrontation, Jaiswal’s helmet made contact with Fernando’s forehead. Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players quickly intervened to separate the pair. The incident was later discussed by commentator Harsha Bhogle in a video posted by Cricbuzz on Instagram. Bhogle felt Jaiswal had been provoked but believed the two players had got too close during the confrontation. Jaiswal responded to the video and asked people not to make a judgment without knowing what had been said.
“If you don’t know what he said then please don’t make your judgment. If anyone crosses the line, we need to let them know this India will fight and reply,” Jaiswal commented.
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Sitanshu Kotak and Ajay Jadeja react to Jaiswal’s confrontation
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando but suggested that emotions may have taken over during the exchange.
“I think the bowler must have made some comment, and it was probably said in the heat of the moment. Obviously, I don’t think Jaiswal should have gone that close, but these things happen in the heat of the moment,” Kotak said.
Former India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja was more critical of the opener, warning that physical contact could take the incident into more serious territory.
“It is dangerous territory. There is no doubt about that. Physical contact is a different thing,” Jadeja said on Sony Sports.
The incident could also come under the ICC Code of Conduct, with Article 2.12 covering inappropriate physical contact with another player during an international match. A Level 1 breach can carry a reprimand, a fine of up to 50% of the match fee and one or two demerit points.
