‘SL bowlers may have said something’: Kotak on Jaiswal’s headbutt with Fernando

India's Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed by Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando during the first day's play of the second Test match between India and Sri Lanka. India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, commented that while Jaiswal might have been provoked by one of the Sri Lankan players, the opener should not have approached Fernando so closely.

Ryan van Niekerk, Sri Lanka's fast bowling coach, added that the incident was likely a heat-of-the-moment reaction, and that it's challenging to face a high-caliber team like India. Van Niekerk stated that he had asked his bowlers to stand up and create opportunities, but left the matter to the match referee's judgment. The altercation took place immediately after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal, with the Indian opener turning around to confront Fernando.

They exchanged words before Jaiswal headbutted the Sri Lankan pacer, prompting immediate intervention from players from both sides to prevent the situation from escalating.