‘If you can’t take it back, don’t say it’: Jadeja’s blunt message to Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s altercation with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando during the opening session of the second Test in Colombo sparked backlash from former India all-rounder Ajay Jadeja, who cautioned the young opener against physical contact.Jaiswal was dismissed for 45 runs by Fernando, who had already gifted the left-hander three boundaries in the same over.

Following Jaiswal’s walk back to the pavilion, the two players engaged in a verbal exchange before their helmets collided and Jaiswal pushed Fernando. Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva and teammates intervened to separate them.Jadeja, discussing the incident on Sony Sports, criticized Jaiswal for overstepping the line and likened the situation to a previous incident involving Jaiswal and Sri Lanka’s Niroshan Dickwella.

He emphasized that players must be prepared to receive banter as well as dish it out, adding that one must not react with physical contact if they cannot take it themselves.Jadeja’s remarks came as Jaiswal’s physical confrontation with Fernando drew the attention of match officials and potentially the ICC Code of Conduct. India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, acknowledged that Jaiswal should have maintained a respectful distance but suggested the exchange was fueled by emotions.

Kotak reiterated his assessment in a post-day press conference, noting the incident could have been triggered by something Fernando said, emphasizing that Jaiswal should not have been so close to the bowler.Match referee Ryan van Niekerk left the decision on potential disciplinary action to the ICC Code of Conduct, which outlines penalties for “inappropriate physical contact” between players.

A Level 1 offence could result in a reprimand, a fine up to 50% of Jaiswal’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.