Yashasvi Jaiswal has broken his silence on his heated exchange with Asitha Fernando during the first session of the Colombo Test. The India opener responded after Cricbuzz questioned on Instagram whether he had “crossed the line” during the confrontation.
The incident followed Jaiswal’s dismissal for 45 on Day 1 of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Responding to the post, Jaiswal said the full context of what was said on the field was not known before making a judgement.
SL vs IND, 2nd Test Day 2: UPDATES
“If you don’t know what he said then please don’t make your judgment if anyone cross the line we need to let them know this India will fight and reply,” Jaiswal commented.
The exchange took place after Fernando produced a delivery that moved back sharply to breach Jaiswal’s defence. The Sri Lankan pacer then gave the batter a send-off, prompting Jaiswal to turn around while walking back and confront him before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva stepped in to separate the two.
The episode could attract the attention of match referee Andy Pycroft, with the ICC Code of Conduct containing provisions relating to physical contact between players during an international match.
COULD YASHASVI JAISWAL FACE ICC SANCTION?
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged that the exchange appeared to have gone beyond a purely verbal confrontation, while suggesting emotions may have taken over.
“I think they must have said something to him and it might have happened in the heat of the moment. Obviously, Jaiswal, I don’t think he should have been so close to Fernando, but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment,” Kotak said after the day’s play.
Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk did not speculate on a potential punishment and instead left the matter with the match officials.
“The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I’ll leave that to the match referee to deal with,” he said.
Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct deals with inappropriate physical contact with another player during an international match. If Jaiswal is found guilty of a Level 1 breach, the possible punishment can range from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 per cent of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
INDIA’S DOMINANT START TO COLOMBO TEST
India recovered from a difficult start to finish the opening day on 300/5, with Devdutt Padikkal producing a superb unbeaten century before his dismissal later in the innings. The left-hander’s 117 came in testing conditions and helped India navigate the departures of Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant.
Jaiswal had made 45 from 53 balls, while Gill scored 50 as the pair provided India with momentum before both fell after reaching significant milestones. Padikkal then anchored the innings through a demanding spell of batting in Colombo.
Pant was forced to retire hurt on three after being struck on the wrist by Lahiru Kumara, while Ravindra Jadeja later contributed before also falling to Fernando.
India’s batting depth was tested throughout the day, but Padikkal’s century ensured they remained in a strong position. On Day 2, debutant Saransh Jain fell early before Pant returned to the crease and immediately showed his intent with a six, providing a significant boost to India after his injury scare.
– Ends
