Yashasvi Jaiswal Advised to Keep Emotions in Check After Controversial Incident

Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s altercation with Asitha Fernando on the first day of India’s second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo garnered harsh criticism from past cricketers and academics.

Following Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissal for 45 off 53 balls, Fernando made a delivery from around the wicket that entered the India opener abruptly. Jaiswal attempted a punch through the off side but got a heavy inside edge, putting the ball into the stumps.

The two players then exchanged furious words, which escalated into physical contact. The heads made contact, with Jaiswal still wearing his helmet, in what appeared to be a shove rather than a headbutt.

Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened to break up the fight, while Devdutt Padikkal tried to pull Jaiswal away. The Indian opener proceeded approaching Fernando before the situation was finally brought under control.

On Monday, the ICC sanctioned Yashasvi Jaiswal and Fernando, fining each player 25% of their match earnings. Furthermore, both players were assigned one demerit point each.

Before the start of the second day, Jaiswal responded to the criticism on social media, justifying his behaviour and claiming that no one knew what was said to him in the midst. “India knows how to give back,” he concluded his remarks.

Former India batsman WV Raman suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal may have been disappointed after failing to convert another start.

Karim describes the encounter as puerile and unnecessary.

Meanwhile, former national selector Saba Karim stated that the two players should be reminded that cricket is not a contact sport and branded their behaviour as immature. Karim went on to say that since a lot of young people watch the games, the athletes must act appropriately as brand ambassadors for the sport.