NEW DELHI: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s heated on-field confrontation with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando on the opening day of the second Test in Colombo drew criticism from former India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja, who warned the young opener that physical contact crosses a dangerous line.Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 by Fernando in the first session at the SSC ground after the Sri Lankan pacer had conceded three boundaries to the left-hander in the over. Fernando responded with a send-off as Jaiswal began walking back to the pavilion, prompting the India opener to turn around and confront the bowler.The exchange quickly escalated, with the two players trading words before coming face-to-face. Jaiswal’s helmet made contact with Fernando’s forehead, and there was also a push before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players intervened to separate them.
Jadeja warns Jaiswal over physical contact
Jadeja, speaking on Sony Sports, criticised Jaiswal for taking the confrontation too far and drew a comparison with an earlier incident involving the Indian opener and Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella.“It is dangerous territory. There is no doubt about that. Physical contact is a different thing. In the last match, Jaiswal was on the other side. He was fielding, and he said things to Niroshan Dickwella, and we said that banter is nice as long as there is nothing wrong with your language,” Jadeja said on Sony Sports.He then stressed that players who engage in banter must also be prepared to receive it.“The same thing happened, but if someone cannot laugh at himself, he shouldn’t laugh at others. If you can’t take it back, don’t say it to others either while standing on the ground,” he added.Jadeja’s comments came after Jaiswal’s confrontation with Fernando turned physical, putting the India batter under the scrutiny of match officials and potentially the ICC Code of Conduct.
India coach admits Jaiswal should have kept his distance
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando, although he suggested the exchange was the result of emotions running high.“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.Kotak reiterated his assessment in the post-day press conference, saying the exchange could have been triggered by something Fernando said.“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.
Match referee could decide Jaiswal’s fate
Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk declined to comment on any possible punishment and left the matter to match referee Andy Pycroft.“The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I’ll leave that to the match referee to deal with,” he said.Pycroft could examine the incident under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which deals with “inappropriate physical contact” with another player during an international match.If Jaiswal is found guilty of a Level 1 offence, the possible punishment can range from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of his match fee, along with one or two demerit points.
