"Shouldn’t Have Gone So Close": Team India Batting Coach Addresses Jaiswal-Fernando Face-off
COLOMBO – Team India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has weighed in on the contentious on-field confrontation between Indian opening sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando during the second Test in Colombo.
The incident occurred during a high-octane first session on Sunday, providing a flashpoint in an otherwise calculated encounter. Jaiswal, who was looking comfortable at the crease, had reached 45 off 53 deliveries—punctuated by nine elegant boundaries—when Fernando struck in the 17th over, rattling the youngster’s stumps.
As Jaiswal turned to depart, Fernando delivered an animated and aggressive send-off, clearly audible to the batter. While Jaiswal initially began his walk back to the pavilion, he suddenly stopped and pivoted toward the Sri Lankan pacer. The situation escalated rapidly, with the two players closing the distance until their helmets were inches apart, sparking a tense standoff.
The brief flare-up was eventually diffused when Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened, physically separating the two players before the argument could spiral into a formal disciplinary breach.
Speaking to the media after the day’s play, Kotak acknowledged the competitive intensity of international cricket while advising caution for his charge.
"The bowler would have commented. It’s the heat of the moment. These things happen in the game," Kotak noted. "However, I don’t think Jaiswal should have gone so close [to the bowler]."
While Kotak acknowledged that such tensions are a byproduct of the high-stakes environment of Test cricket, his comments underscore a desire for the young opener to maintain composure regardless of provocation.
Jaiswal’s dismissal proved to be a significant turning point in the morning session, as he was well-set to build a substantial score. His departure left a void at the top of the order as India looks to capitalize on their 1-0 series lead, following their dominant 165-run victory in the opening Test in Galle.
As the series reaches its climax, officials and coaching staff alike will be keeping a close eye on the temperament of the players, hoping that the competitive spirit remains within the boundaries of the game as India looks to seal the series in Colombo.
