The on-field altercation between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando during the second Test between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo had attracted a great deal of attention because in the wake of that bust-up, both Jaiswal and Fernando had been sanctioned by the International Cricket Council. They were fined 25 per cent of their respective match fees and received one demerit point each after being found in breach of Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct.
The incident happened during the 17th over of India's first innings, with Fernando dismissing Jaiswal for 45, bringing an end to Jaiswal’s long stay. After taking wicket of Jaiswal, Fernando appeared to give Jaiswal an animated send-off. Notably, Jaiswal had started his walk towards the dressing room after his dismissal, but he soon turned around and went back towards Fernando.
Later, both players got into a heated argument, exchanging words before coming close to each other. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan players intervened and separated them as the situation took a different turn. Now, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has provided the details as to what touched off the confrontation. Jurel said Jaiswal told him that the Sri Lankan pacer had been abusing him repeatedly, which forced him to turn back.
“When he got out, he was quietly towards the dressing room. He didn't say anything. If you look at the footage, Jaiswal suddenly turned around. The Sri Lanka bowler was abusing him. He (Jaiswal) told me," Dhruv Jurel told Aakash Chopra.
“Jaiswal told him (Fernando), Show normal aggression. It's okay. You took my wicket; you deserve it, but you can't abuse me,” he added.
Meanwhile, India had won the series 1-0 after clinching a 165-run win in the first match because the second Test had ended in a draw. On the other hand, Jaiswal had finished the series with 77 runs, registered across four innings.