Jaiswal faces possible ICC sanction after helmet contact with Fernando in Colombo Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal could face an ICC sanction after a physical altercation with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando during the second Test in Colombo on Sunday, when Jaiswal's helmet made contact with Fernando's forehead.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the incident may have occurred "in the heat of the moment" but added: "Obviously, Jaiswal, I don't think he should have been so close (to Fernando), but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment," speaking at the post-day press conference.

The confrontation followed Fernando dismissing Jaiswal for 45 with a nip-backer in the first session at the SSC ground; as Jaiswal was walking off, Fernando gave him a send-off, Jaiswal turned back and the two engaged in a heated verbal exchange during which Jaiswal's helmet contacted Fernando's forehead before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva intervened.

The incident could fall under the ICC Code of Conduct, specifically Article 2.12, which deals with "inappropriate physical contact" with another player during an international match, and was under the oversight of match referee Andy Pycroft.

If adjudged a Level 1 offence, the sanction range includes an official reprimand or a fine of up to 50 per cent of the player's match fee, together with one or two demerit points.

Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk said: "The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I'll leave that to the match referee to deal with," when asked about the episode.

Jaiswal had made a positive start to his innings before Fernando produced the delivery that nipped back sharply to beat his defence and effect the dismissal.

With the match referee expected to assess the circumstances surrounding the altercation, Jaiswal could now face disciplinary action depending on the findings of the ICC match officials.