Colombo, August 23: Former Indian cricketer and sports commentator Ajay Jadeja criticised India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for his heated exchange with Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando during the second Test in Colombo on Sunday.
Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 off 53 balls by Fernando on Day 1 of the second Test. After the wicket, Fernando gave the Indian opener an animated send-off.
Jaiswal turned back and confronted the bowler with his helmet making contact with Fernando during the heated exchange. Other players quickly stepped in to separate them, after which angry Jaiswal walked off the field.
Ajay Jadeja Reacts
Jadeja said that banter is a normal part of cricket and players often exchange words on the field. However, he felt that Jaiswal should have kept his emotions under control and avoided physical contact.
According to Jadeja, if Jaiswal had engaged in banter with Niroshan Dickwella in the first Test, he also needed to be ready for a response from the Sri Lankan players. He felt Jaiswal could have answered Fernando verbally, but going close to him and making physical contact crossed the line.
The same concern was also raised by India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who said Jaiswal should not have gone so close to Fernando. Kotak described it as a moment that happened in the heat of the game but stressed that physical contact should be avoided.
Disciplinary Action Likely
The incident could also have disciplinary consequences with reports stating that match referee Andy Pycroft is expected to look into the physical contact under the ICC Code of Conduct.
Jaiswal In Indian Test Team
The left-handed opener made his Test debut against West Indies in 2023 and scored a century in his first innings.
He also enjoyed a memorable 2024 series against England, scoring two double-centuries in consecutive Tests. His aggressive batting has since made him one of India's key players in the longest format.
The Colombo Test is Jaiswal's 31st Test match and the opener is looking to build on his strong start to his international career.
