Jaiswal hits back on criticism over Fernando headbutt: ‘If you don’t know what he said…’

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has responded to criticism over his headbutt on Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando during their Test match. In a video response on Instagram, Jaiswal stated that if people are unaware of what Fernando said, they should refrain from judging the incident. The altercation occurred after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal, with the Indian batter moving in close and headbutting the Sri Lankan pacer.

Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja commented that while sledging is acceptable as long as it doesn't involve physical contact, Jaiswal should have been able to take the banter since he himself was on the receiving end of it during a previous match. Cricbuzz cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle suggested that while Fernando's remarks were unwarranted, Jaiswal should have simply walked away.

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also expressed concern about Jaiswal getting too close to Fernando, though he acknowledged that any provocation was likely in the heat of the moment.