India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal has opened up about his heated exchange with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo on Sunday.
Jaiswal responded to a video posted by Cricbuzz on Instagram, in which commentator Harsha Bhogle discussed whether the India opener had “crossed a line”. Bhogle said Jaiswal had been provoked but felt that “they got a little too close”.
Responding from his own Instagram account, Yashasvi Jaiswal said people should not judge the incident without knowing what was said between the two players. He also made it clear that India would respond if an opponent crossed the line.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s reply to the video
“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,” he replied.
His comments have added another layer to the debate surrounding the incident, with discussions continuing over whether the confrontation could lead to disciplinary action.
Jaiswal scored 45 off 53 balls and took on Asitha Fernando with three consecutive boundaries in the 17th over. However, the Indian opener was dismissed off the very next delivery. Fernando then celebrated animatedly, prompting Jaiswal to confront the Sri Lankan pacer.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva stepped in to separate the two players and prevent the situation from escalating.
Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja also criticised Jaiswal’s actions. Speaking on Sony Sports Network, Jadeja said the incident had entered “dangerous territory”, particularly because of the physical contact.
Jadeja pointed out that Jaiswal had been involved in on-field banter with Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella in the previous match and said players should be able to take the same banter that they dish out.
“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,” Jadeja added.
“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,” added the 55-year-old.
India was 419/6 at lunch on the second day of the second Test, with both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel having registered a 112-run partnership thus far.
On Sunday, Devdutt Padikkal continued his impressive form with another century, whereas skipper Shubman Gill scored a half-century. India is coming to the second and final Test on the back of a 165-run win in the first Test in Galle.