‘Don’t Make Your Judgment’: Yashasvi Jaiswal Responds To Veteran Commentator Over Asitha Fernando Fight

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fiery clash with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando during the second Test in Colombo has taken another twist, with the Indian opener responding strongly after Harsha Bhogle shared his views on the incident.

The confrontation came after Jaiswal’s promising innings ended on 45 off 53 balls, featuring nine fours, when Asitha bowled him with a sharp delivery that nipped back in. As Jaiswal began walking away, Fernando gave him an animated send-off, triggering an angry response from the Indian batter. The two players charged towards each other and came head-to-head before teammates and officials stepped in to calm the situation.

The drama unfolded during a difficult opening session for India in the second Test. Jaiswal had looked in good touch, while KL Rahul also fell early as Sri Lanka reduced India to 88/2 at lunch.

India, however, recovered strongly through Devdutt Padikkal, who scored 117, and captain Shubman Gill, whose partnership with Padikkal helped steady the innings. India eventually finished Day 1 at 300/5, putting the spotlight firmly back on their batting after the heated exchange had dominated the morning session.

Harsha Bhogle's Verdict And Jaiswal's Sharp Response

Bhogle felt Fernando's send-off may have been unnecessary and acknowledged that Jaiswal appeared to have been provoked. However, he believed the best response would have been for the Indian opener to simply walk away.

“While the send-off may have been unnecessary and Jaiswal was clearly provoked, the best response would have been to simply walk away,” Bhogle said on Cricbuzz. He also warned that Jaiswal's combative nature could sometimes get the better of him, adding that the youngster must be prepared to receive the same kind of aggression he often brings to the contest.

Jaiswal, though, was clearly not convinced. Responding in the comments section of a social media post carrying Bhogle's remarks, he wrote: “If you don’t know what he said then please don’t make your judgment. If anyone cross the line we need to let them know this India will fight and reply.”

His response suggests that, from Jaiswal's perspective, the television footage did not reveal the complete context of the exchange. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also indicated that something may have been said during the confrontation, although he maintained that Jaiswal should not have gone so close to Fernando.

With an official verdict on the incident still awaited, the Colombo clash has sparked a wider debate over aggression, provocation and where players should draw the line.