India will fight and reply: Yashasvi Jaiswal breaks silence after Fernando clash

Yashasvi Jaiswal made a surprise comment on a social media video regarding his on-field spat with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo.

Jaiswal responded to a Cricbuzz video featuring commentator Harsha Bhogle, titled ‘Did Jaiswal cross the line?’, urging people not to judge the incident without knowing what was said between the two players.

“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 on the video.

His comment quickly went viral, adding another layer to an incident that had already attracted considerable attention after the India opener and Fernando were involved in a heated exchange following Jaiswal’s dismissal.

Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 by Fernando during the first session at the SSC Ground after hitting the Sri Lankan pacer for three boundaries in the over. Fernando appeared to give Jaiswal a send-off as the batter walked towards the pavilion, prompting Jaiswal to turn back and confront him.

The two players exchanged words before coming face-to-face. Jaiswal’s helmet appeared to make contact with Fernando’s forehead during the confrontation, while there was also physical contact before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players stepped in to separate them.

India coach questions Jaiswal’s approach

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando, while suggesting that the confrontation may have been triggered by comments made in the heat of the moment.

“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 offered a similar assessment during his post-day press conference, reiterating that Jaiswal should have maintained more distance during the confrontation.

“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,” he said.