'If you can't take it back, don't say it to others' - Ajay Jadeja reacts to Yashasvi Jaiswal's altercation with Asitha Fernando in Colombo

A confrontation between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando unfolded during the morning session of Day 1 of the second Test at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. The flashpoint came in the 17th over of India's first innings, moments after Fernando removed Jaiswal for 45 off 53 balls. The ball caught the thick inside edge and deflected onto the stumps.

Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja offered his perspective on the incident. Jadeja acknowledged the seriousness of physical contact during on-field exchanges while drawing a parallel to Jaiswal's earlier involvement in a verbal exchange with Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella in the first Test.

"It is dangerous territory. There is no doubt about that. Physical contact is a different thing. In the last match, Jaiswal was on the other side. He was fielding, and he said things to Niroshan Dickwella, and we said that banter is nice as long as there is nothing wrong with your language," Jadeja said via Sony Sports Network.

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Jadeja emphasised the importance of players being able to accept the same treatment they dish out to opponents. He stressed that cricketers must maintain consistency in their approach to on-field banter and not expect different standards when they are on the receiving end of verbal exchanges.

"The same thing happened, but if someone cannot laugh at himself, he shouldn't laugh at others. If you can't take it back, don't say it to others either while standing on the ground," Jadeja, who also captained India during his time, added.

After taking the wicket, Fernando directed a fiery send-off towards Jaiswal. The batter paused mid-walk, reacted, and turned back towards the bowler. The two players squared up at close range, with Jaiswal appearing to make slight head contact with Fernando.

Meanwhile, the second Test took place at a time when India's squad faced changes. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed at the toss on August 23 that Kuldeep Yadav had been ruled out due to infection. India chose to bat after winning the toss. The altercation between Jaiswal and Fernando marked a notable moment in the match's early stages.