Jadeja Slams Jaiswal Over On-Field Spat: 'Don't Dish What You Can't Take'

Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando have been handed 25% fines and one demerit point each by the International Cricket Council (ICC) following a heated on-field confrontation during the first day of the second Test in Colombo. The incident, triggered by an aggressive 'send-off' from Fernando after dismissing Jaiswal for 45, escalated into physical contact when Jaiswal reacted by clashing helmets with the bowler. Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja sharply criticized Jaiswal's actions, stating on Sony Sports that players 'shouldn't dish it out if they can't take it back,' referencing an earlier verbal exchange involving Jaiswal and Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella in the first Test. This comes as Jaiswal's recent Test form has seen a dip, with scores of 24, 32, and 0 in his last three innings, adding pressure on the young talent amidst disciplinary scrutiny. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledged the 'heat of the moment' but conceded Jaiswal should have maintained more distance. Both players admitted breaching Article 2.12 of the ICC Code of Conduct, which prohibits inappropriate physical contact, thereby avoiding a formal hearing. Match referee Andy Pycroft sanctioned the Level 1 offense, a move that adds a demerit point to each player's record, though neither faces an immediate suspension. The cricketing world will be watching closely to see if this incident impacts Jaiswal's approach on the field and whether the players involved move past this heated exchange as the Test series progresses.