NEW DELHI: Yashasvi Jaiswal has broken his silence on his heated confrontation with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando, making a surprise comment on a social media video discussing their on-field spat during the opening day of the second Test in Colombo.Jaiswal responded to a Cricbuzz video featuring cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, titled ‘Did Jaiswal cross the line?’, urging people not to judge the incident without knowing what had been 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,” Yashasvi Jaiswal commented on the video.The comment quickly went viral, adding another layer to an incident that had already attracted considerable attention after Jaiswal and Fernando were involved in a heated exchange immediately after the India opener was dismissed.
Jaiswal, Fernando clash after dismissal
Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 by Fernando in the first session at the SSC ground after hitting the pacer for three boundaries in the over. Fernando gave the Indian opener a send-off as he 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 made contact with Fernando’s forehead during the confrontation, and there was also physical contact before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players intervened to separate them.
India coach also questions Jaiswal’s approach
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando, although he suggested the confrontation may have resulted from 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 offered a similar assessment during his post-day press conference.“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.