Yashasvi Jaiswal's confrontation with Asitha Fernando during the second Test between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo has drawn a response from India's batting
coach. The incident unfolded on the opening day when Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 off 53 balls in the 17th over. over. Fernando bowled a delivery that cut back sharply, and Jaiswal lost his middle stump after an inside edge.
Following the dismissal, Fernando celebrated the wicket with a send-off, which sparked a reaction from Jaiswal. As the opener turned to walk back, he stopped and turned around, apparently responding to something he heard from the field. Jaiswal then marched towards Fernando, and the two players went face-to-face in what appeared to be an almost headbutt. Their heads clashed, with Jaiswal wearing his helmet, before Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva separated the two players.
What Kotak said about the incident
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged the incident after the day's play, saying that these incidents happen in the 'heat of the moment '. He did, however, also acknowledge that Jaiswal's act was one he could have avoided, but these situations are unavoidable when the emotions in the game take over.
"I think the bowler commented something and it happened in the heat of moment. Obviously Yashasvi Jaiswal shouldn't have gone so close to him but it happens in the heat of the moment," Kotak said, speaking in the post-match press conference.
Potential ICC disciplinary considerations
The footage and reports do not automatically establish that Jaiswal committed a deliberate headbutt, as some descriptions suggest the contact came as the players moved towards each other while Jaiswal was still wearing his helmet. The relevant provision could be Article 2.12, which covers inappropriate physical contact with another player during an international match. The match referee will review the incident before any disciplinary decision is made.
Speaking of the game, India's opening day performance saw the team accumulate 300 runs for five wickets after electing to bat first. Devdutt Padikkal notched up his second century of the series, scoring a brilliant 117 off 193 balls. Jaiswal's 45, along with skipper Shubman Gill's half-century and Ravindra Jadeja's 43, were the other notable scores of the innings. Fernando was the pick of the bowlers for the Lankan side with figures of 3 for 46 from 16 overs.
