Jaiswal hits back at critics after Fernando clash in 2nd Test
Synopsis
Yashasvi Jaiswal refused to back down after his fiery face-off with Asitha Fernando at the SSC in Colombo, insisting critics stay silent unless they know what was said on the field. With match referee Andy Pycroft reviewing the incident under ICC Article 2.12, Jaiswal now faces a potential fine and demerit points — raising the stakes well beyond a heated moment.
Key Takeaways
Yashasvi Jaiswal confronted Asitha Fernando after being dismissed for 45 on Day 1 of the 2nd Test at the SSC Ground, Colombo .
The altercation involved physical contact; Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened to separate the players.
Match referee Andy Pycroft is reviewing the incident under ICC Code of Conduct Article 2.12 (inappropriate physical contact).
A Level 1 guilty verdict could result in a fine of up to 50% of match fee and 1–2 demerit points .
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the incident may have occurred 'in the heat of the moment' but noted Jaiswal should not have made body contact.
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal broke his silence on 24 August following a heated on-field altercation with Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando during Day 1 of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo, warning observers not to pass judgement without knowing what was said on the pitch.
What Sparked the Confrontation
The flashpoint came when Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45 with a sharp nip-backer and followed it up with an aggressive send-off. Jaiswal, rather than walking away, turned back to confront the bowler, triggering a heated face-to-face exchange that included physical contact. Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva stepped in to separate the two players before the situation could escalate further.
Jaiswal's Response
Reacting to a video posted on Instagram by commentator Harsha Bhogle — who suggested Jaiswal should have simply walked away — the left-handed opener was unapologetic. '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 posted ahead of Day 2.
ICC Code of Conduct Review Under Way
Match referee Andy Pycroft is reviewing the incident under the ICC Code of Conduct. If found guilty of a Level 1 offence under Article 2.12 — relating to inappropriate physical contact — Jaiswal could face sanctions ranging from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50% of his match fee, plus 1 or 2 demerit points.
What India and Sri Lanka Camps Said
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, speaking at the post-day press conference, acknowledged the provocation while drawing a line. '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.
Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk was measured in his response. 'The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I'll leave that to the match referee to deal with,' he said, deferring the matter to Pycroft.
What Happens Next
With the ICC review ongoing, the outcome of Pycroft's inquiry could have implications for Jaiswal's availability and demerit-point tally for the remainder of the series. The incident has also reignited a broader debate about on-field conduct and the boundaries of competitive aggression in Test cricket.
Point of View
He shifts the burden of judgement onto observers, a tactically smart move that also previews his likely line of defence before the match referee. What mainstream coverage underplays is the institutional dimension: demerit points accumulate across series, and a growing tally can trigger automatic suspension. Harsha Bhogle's mild critique drawing a sharper response than the incident itself suggests India's dressing room is circling the wagons — which is fine, unless the ICC's findings force a different narrative.
NationPress
24 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando in the 2nd Test?
Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45 with a nip-backer and gave him an aggressive send-off, prompting Jaiswal to turn back and confront the bowler in a heated face-to-face exchange that included physical contact. Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva stepped in to separate them.
What ICC charges could Jaiswal face?
Match referee Andy Pycroft is reviewing the incident under ICC Code of Conduct Article 2.12, which covers inappropriate physical contact. A Level 1 guilty verdict could mean an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50% of his match fee, and 1 or 2 demerit points.
What did Jaiswal say in response to criticism?
Jaiswal posted on social media: '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.' The post was directed at those — including commentator Harsha Bhogle — who suggested he should have walked away.
What did India's batting coach say about the incident?
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the incident likely happened 'in the heat of the moment' and acknowledged there may have been provocation, but maintained that Jaiswal should not have made body contact with Fernando.
How did the Sri Lanka camp respond?
Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk described the verbals as 'probably an overflow of emotion' and deferred to match referee Andy Pycroft to handle the matter, declining to comment further.
