“If You Can’t Take It Back, Don’t Say It”: Ajay Jadeja Slams Yashasvi Jaiswal After Heated Spat with Asitha Fernando

COLOMBO – Tensions flared on the opening day of the second Test at the SSC ground, as a physical confrontation between Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando has drawn sharp criticism from cricketing circles.

The incident occurred during the first session when, after being hit for three boundaries in a single over, Fernando managed to dismiss Jaiswal for 45. As the young Indian opener began his walk back to the pavilion, Fernando appeared to offer an aggressive send-off. The situation escalated rapidly when Jaiswal turned around to confront the bowler, leading to a heated verbal exchange that culminated in chest-to-chest contact and a brief physical shove. Players from both sides, including Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva, were forced to intervene to de-escalate the situation.

Jadeja: “Dangerous Territory”

Former Indian all-rounder Ajay Jadeja, acting as a commentator, did not mince words regarding the conduct of the young star. Jadeja warned that by engaging in physical confrontation, Jaiswal had crossed a line that jeopardizes the spirit of the game.

Highlighting a recent incident where Jaiswal had himself engaged in sledging against Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella, Jadeja urged the youngster to adopt a more measured temperament.

“It is dangerous territory. There is no doubt about that. Physical contact is a different thing,” Jadeja said on Sony Sports. “The same thing happened [in the last match]—he was fielding, and he said things to Niroshan Dickwella. If someone cannot laugh at himself, he shouldn’t laugh at others. If you can’t take it back, don’t say it to others either while standing on the ground.”

Team India’s Stance

India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, acknowledged the severity of the incident but attributed the clash to the high-pressure environment of Test cricket. While defending the emotion of the moment, Kotak admitted that Jaiswal should have maintained his composure and kept his distance from the bowler.

“I think the bowler must have made some comment, and it was likely in the heat of the moment,” Kotak stated during the post-day press conference. “I don’t think Jaiswal should have gone that close, but these things happen when emotions are running high.”

Potential ICC Sanctions

The incident has now shifted from the pitch to the desks of match officials. Sri Lanka’s fast bowling coach, Ryan van Niekerk, opted to remain neutral, stating that any disciplinary action rests solely with match referee Andy Pycroft.

Under Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which strictly prohibits “inappropriate physical contact” between players, Jaiswal could face significant scrutiny. Should he be found guilty of a Level 1 offence, the young batter risks a range of penalties, including an official reprimand, a fine of up to 50% of his match fee, and the accumulation of one or two demerit points on his disciplinary record.

As the match continues, all eyes will be on whether this heated exchange leads to formal disciplinary action from the governing body.