India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has responded strongly to criticism of his heated confrontation with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando during the second Test at the SSC in Colombo.
The incident occurred on the opening day during India’s first innings. Jaiswal had taken the attack to Fernando, hitting the fast bowler for three boundaries in the over before the Sri Lankan responded with the final delivery.
Bowling from around the wicket, Fernando brought the ball back into the left-hander. Jaiswal attempted to play through the off side but managed a thick inside edge that crashed into his stumps.
Fernando celebrated passionately and gave the departing batter a send-off. Jaiswal responded, with the pair initially exchanging words before the situation became more intense. They moved almost face to face, with some body contact occurring during the confrontation.
Jaiswal subsequently faced criticism for his role in the exchange. Cricbuzz published a video titled “Did Jaiswal Cross the Line?”, in which commentator Harsha Bhogle suggested that walking away would have been the better response in such a situation.
The Indian opener, however, argued that conclusions should not be reached without knowing what Fernando had said to him.
“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 that this India will fight and reply,” Jaiswal said.
It was not the first time during the series that Jaiswal had been involved in an on-field verbal exchange. In the previous Test, he was seen sledging Niroshan Dickwella during Sri Lanka’s second innings. Dickwella attempted an aggressive shot soon afterwards and was dismissed.
Away from the controversy, India have established themselves in a strong position in Colombo. After ending the opening day on 300/5, the visitors moved beyond 400, helped by half-centuries from Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel.
Pant’s contribution was particularly encouraging after concerns over his fitness. He had been hit and forced to retire hurt on Day 1, raising doubts about whether he would resume his innings.
The wicketkeeper-batter returned to the crease and scored 63 before being dismissed after lunch. His recovery is also a boost for India behind the stumps, with Pant fit enough to keep wickets.
Saransh Jain was the other Indian batter dismissed during the first session as India continued to build their first-innings total.
