New Twists In Yashasvi-Fernando Clash: Comments From Prominent Names Make The Controversy More Heated
Colombo/New Delhi: New and startling twists are emerging in the controversy that erupted during the second and final Test between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo on Sunday, after opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was clean bowled for 45 and allegedly provoked by an insulting comment from bowler Asitha Fernando.
Will the Match Referee Take Action Against Yashasvi?
Former Zimbabwe cricketer Andy Pycroft is the match referee for this series, and speculation is rife that he could take strict action against Yashasvi under the ICC Code of Conduct. It is being reported that Jaiswal could receive only a reprimand or a minor fine, along with a demerit point being added to his disciplinary record.
What Happened?
After Yashasvi was dismissed on Sunday and was walking back, aggressive fast bowler Fernando was celebrating the wicket with his teammates when he allegedly said something inappropriate. Hearing this, Yashasvi stopped, returned towards the Sri Lankan players and argued with Fernando. He also lightly bumped his helmet against Fernando’s forehead. Players and umpires intervened and separated the two, after which Yashasvi said something and walked away.
‘India Will Fight and Give It Back’: Yashasvi
Yashasvi indicated in a reaction that Fernando had made a provocative and insulting comment. Yashasvi said, “India will fight and give it back.”
What Did Harsha Bhogle Say?
A well-known cricket website posted a video titled, ‘Did Jaiswal Cross the Line?’ in which renowned commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle criticised Yashasvi, saying, “Instead of coming back, Yashasvi should have continued straight towards the dugout.”
‘If You Don’t Know What Happened, Don’t Comment’: Yashasvi
After Harsha Bhogle criticised Yashasvi, the opener immediately responded on social media, saying, “You don’t know what he (Fernando) said. If you don’t know, please don’t make any judgment. If someone crosses the line, they must also be prepared for a response. They (the opposition players) should at least understand that Indian players come onto the field to fight and give a response.”
Did Yashasvi Get Revenge for the Galle Banter?
Yashasvi scored 45 runs off 52 balls with nine fours on Sunday. The 53rd ball of his innings was the final delivery of Fernando’s over, on which he was clean bowled.
The Sri Lankans may have remembered the banter Yashasvi had with Niroshan Dickwella during the first Test in Galle, and perhaps they decided to get their own back in Colombo on Sunday. During the Galle Test, Yashasvi had approached Dickwella while fielding, pointed towards one of the stands and told him, “I want to see your famous shots. Send the ball towards that stand and then I’ll believe you.”
Dickwella jokingly responded, “Get me into the IPL. I really want to play in it.” Yashasvi assured him that he would help him get an opportunity in the IPL. Soon after Yashasvi’s attempt to distract him, Dickwella lost his wicket, and Yashasvi then went over to his teammates and laughed heartily.
Ajay Jadeja Also Joins the Debate, Here’s What He Said…
Former India batsman Ajay Jadeja, while criticising Yashasvi’s approach in an interview with a leading channel, said, “During the Galle Test, Yashasvi had some light-hearted banter with Dickwella while fielding. At that time, everyone said that such light humour between opponents is fine as long as no abusive language is used. But now something similar has happened from the other side in Colombo. If we do not like someone laughing at us, then we should not laugh at someone else either. If we cannot tolerate someone saying something to us, then we should also refrain from saying things about
ALSO READ: Padikkal Hits Back-to-Back Centuries After Being Given Lifelines on Zero and One