Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has opened up about the heated exchange between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando on Day 1 of the second Test in Colombo.
The incident took place in the 17th over after Fernando, who had conceded three boundaries to Jaiswal earlier in the over, dismissed the Indian opener off the final delivery. The two players then exchanged words and came face-to-face, with some physical contact between them. Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva quickly stepped in to separate the players and calm the situation.
Speaking at the post-day press conference, Kotak suggested that something said by Fernando may have triggered the exchange. However, he also admitted that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to the Sri Lankan pacer.
“I think the bowler must have made some comment, and it was probably said in the heat of the moment. Obviously, I don’t think Jaiswal should have gone that close, but these things happen in the heat of the moment,” Kotak said.
Jaiswal was dismissed for 45, with Sri Lanka’s pacers making early inroads after India opted to bat first. KL Rahul was also dismissed for 18, leaving India at 66/2.
However, Devdutt Padikkal and Shubman Gill then steadied the innings with a crucial 120-run partnership for the third wicket. Gill scored a composed 50 before being dismissed by Fernando, while Padikkal continued his impressive run and brought up his second Test century of the series before eventually falling for 117.
Rishabh Pant retired hurt after being struck on the wrist, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed 43 before Fernando dismissed him as well. Debutant Saransh Jain remained unbeaten at the close of play as India finished Day 1 on 300/5.
Kotak was particularly pleased with Padikkal’s approach and praised the batter for showing positive intent while maintaining a good scoring rate.
“For me, the intent is on, the temperament is on. And with the pace, he batted as well. So, he batted with a very good strike rate as well. So, the way he batted is a really, really good sign for us,” he said.
India will look to build on their strong position on Day 2 and post a big first-innings total. The visitors currently lead the two-Test series 1-0 after securing a 165-run victory in the opening Test in Galle.
