Jaiswal shouldn't have gone "that close" to Fernando: India batting coach on heated exchange in Colombo

Colombo [Sri Lanka], August 23 (ANI): India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal should not have gone "that close" to Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando during their heated on-field exchange on Day 1 of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka at Colombo's Sinhalese Sports Club.
The incident occurred in the 17th over after Fernando, having conceded three boundaries to Jaiswal, dismissed the Indian opener on the final delivery. The two players then exchanged words and came face-to-face, with some body contact, before Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva stepped in to calm the situation.
Speaking at the post-day press conference, Sitanshu Kotak said the exchange likely stemmed from a comment by the bowler in the heat of the moment, while acknowledging that Jaiswal should not have moved so close to Fernando.
"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.
India finished Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at 300/5, with Devdutt Padikkal's brilliant 117 and Shubman Gill's composed 50 helping the visitors recover from an early 66/2.
Padikkal and Gill added 120 runs for the third wicket before Gill was dismissed by Asitha Fernando. Padikkal went on to complete his second Test century of the series before falling for 117.
Rishabh Pant retired hurt after being struck on the wrist, while Ravindra Jadeja contributed 43 before being bowled by Fernando. Debutant Saransh Jain was unbeaten at stumps.
Earlier, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 45 and KL Rahul made 18 as Sri Lanka's pacers struck twice in the opening session. India, who won the toss and opted to bat, ended the day in a strong position at 300/5.
Kotak also praised Padikkal's positive intent, composure and scoring rate, saying his overall approach and performance were a very encouraging sign for India.
"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. (ANI)