‘If you can’t take it back, don’t say it’: Ajay Jadeja’s blunt message to Yashasvi Jaiswal after Asitha Fernando spat

Former India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja criticized Yashasvi Jaiswal for losing control on-field after a spat with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando during the second Test in Colombo. Jadeja warned Jaiswal that physical contact crosses a line and emphasized that players must be prepared to receive banter as well as dish it out. Jaiswal, who was dismissed for 45 by Fernando, was dismissed as the two players exchanged words and came face-to-face after Jaiswal turned around to confront the bowler.

The India opener's helmet made contact with Fernando's forehead, leading to intervention from Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and other players. Jadeja's comments come after Jaiswal's confrontation turned physical, drawing scrutiny from match officials and the ICC Code of Conduct. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando, but suggested the exchange was due to high emotions.

The match referee could decide on any potential punishment for Jaiswal, with a Level 1 offence potentially resulting in a reprimand, fine, or demerit points.