Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has responded to criticism of his on-field clash with Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando, stating that India will stand up when players cross the line.
Yashasvi Jaiswal has addressed the heated confrontation he had with Sri Lanka fast bowler Asitha Fernando during the second Test at the SSC in Colombo, responding through social media to commentary discussing the incident. The Indian opener stated that India would "fight and reply" if provoked, suggesting that Fernando had made comments that warranted his response.
The exchange occurred after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45 runs on the opening day of the Test match. Following the dismissal, Fernando sent Jaiswal off with animated words, leading the batter to turn around and confront the pacer. The two players came face-to-face and exchanged words before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other team members intervened to separate them.
Reacting to a social media video featuring commentator Harsha Bhogle discussing whether Jaiswal had overstepped, the Indian batter wrote: "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." This response suggests Jaiswal believed Fernando's comments had justified his reaction.
India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged the incident while offering a more measured perspective. Kotak noted that while Fernando appeared to have made a provocative comment, Jaiswal should not have moved so close to the bowler, describing the exchange as something that "happens in the heat of the moment." The coach's comments suggest both players shared responsibility for the escalation, though he did not criticize Jaiswal's decision to respond.
