Jaiswal says "India will fight and reply" after on-field clash with Asitha Fernando

Yashasvi Jaiswal has responded to a heated exchange with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando that occurred during the first session of Day 1 of the second Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Replying to a Cricbuzz Instagram post that asked whether he had "crossed the line", Jaiswal 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," Jaiswal commented.

The confrontation followed Jaiswal's dismissal for 45 on Day 1 and stemmed from a Fernando delivery that moved back sharply to breach his defence; Fernando then gave the batter a send-off and Jaiswal turned back to confront him before Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva stepped in to separate the two. The incident took place during the first session of the Colombo Test and was captured live by broadcasters.

India recovered from a difficult start to finish the opening day on 300/5, with Devdutt Padikkal producing a century of 117 that the report described as "a superb unbeaten century before his dismissal later in the innings." The left-hander's 117 was credited with helping India navigate the departures of Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant in testing conditions.

Jaiswal had made 45 from 53 balls and Shubman Gill scored 50, with both batters providing momentum before their dismissals after reaching significant milestones. Pant was forced to retire hurt on three after being struck on the wrist by Lahiru Kumara, while Ravindra Jadeja later contributed before also falling to Fernando. On Day 2, debutant Saransh Jain fell early before Pant returned to the crease and immediately showed his intent with a six, providing a significant boost to India after his injury scare.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the episode after play, saying: "I think they must have said something to him and it might have happened in the heat of the moment. 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," Kotak said after the day's play. Sri Lanka fast bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk commented: "The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I'll leave that to the match referee to deal with," he said.

Sony Sports Network's broadcast posted a social update on the exchange: "THINGS GET HEATED!Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando exchange words as tensions rise in the middle.Watch #SLvIND, 2nd Test, LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #BeautifulGameOfTestCricket pic.twitter.com/7qJrORjx8V" — Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 23, 2026

The episode could attract the attention of match referee Andy Pycroft, with the ICC Code of Conduct containing provisions relating to physical contact between players during an international match. Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct deals with inappropriate physical contact with another player during an international match. If Jaiswal is found guilty of a Level 1 breach, the possible punishment can range from an official reprimand to a fine of up to 50 per cent of the match fee, along with one or two demerit points.