India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando were involved in an on-field altercation on Day 1 of the second Test. This incident has now turned into a social media exchange after Jaiswal has sent a strong reply to veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle. Cricbuzz posted a video featuring Harsha Bhogle under the caption “Did Jaiswal cross the line?” Bhogle acknowledged that a send-off had been given and that something was said to Jaiswal as he walked off. He noted the recent history of banter between Jaiswal and Niroshan Dickwella in Galle. While saying he has never been a fan of send-offs once a batter is out.
Bhogle felt the best solution for Jaiswal was simply to keep walking. “He turns and comes back. They got a little too close for my comfort,” Bhogle said. He accepted that whatever was said to Jaiswal “maybe should not have been said,” but added that “as you give, so you must take.” The commentator described Jaiswal as an extraordinarily talented batter with a “slightly combative” side bubbling underneath, and expressed concern that this side could get the young player into trouble and overshadow his batting ability.
Jaiswal did not stay silent. Replying directly under the Cricbuzz post, he wrote: “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 comment quickly went viral on social media.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando involved in heated on-field exchange
This incident happened in the first session of the 2nd Test at the SSC ground. Yashasvi Jaiswal who had just smashed three boundaries off Fernando in the over was bowled in the final delivery and was dismissed for 45. As he began walking back to the pavilion, Fernando and the Sri Lankan fielders appeared to give him a send-off. Something was said by the bowler that made Jaiswal turn around, come back and confront the bowler face-to-face. Words were exchanged and the pair got extremely close, and Jaiswal’s helmet made contact with Fernando’s forehead. Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva quickly stepped in to separate them and defuse the situation.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, speaking after play on Day 1 said something was probably said in the heat of the moment and that Jaiswal should not have gone so close, while acknowledging the emotions involved. Several former players and experts have argued that physical contact crosses a clear line in cricket, regardless of provocation. It was a heated moment after a dismissal has now become a talking point and the left-hand batter got plenty of criticisms on social media and from the commentary panel. Jaiswal has now hit back at the critics with his latest comment on Instagram. The Day 2 of the second Test between Sri Lanka and India is underway and it will be interesting to see what action ICC takes on the left-hand batter for this on-field behaviour.
