'I think they must have...': India coach backs Yashasvi Jaiswal after heated exchange with Asitha Fernando

In a series of interesting events, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has supported Yashasvi Jaiswal after his heated brawl with Sri Lanka speedster Asitha Fernando on the opening day of the second and final Test in Colombo on Sunday, August 23. The exchange seemed to involve Jaiswal making head contact with the fast bowler, drawing attention after the day's play.

India backs Yashasvi Jaiswal

With India finishing the first day on 300/5, Kotak tried to play down the episode by describing it as a reaction in the heat of the clash and said there had been some provocation from the Sri Lankan camp. However, he acknowledged that Jaiswal could have carried himself in a better way.

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While appearing at the post-day press conference, the India batting coach shed light on the possibility of Sri Lankan players provoking the opener after dismissing him and the headbutt came out in the heat of the moment.

“I think they must have said something to him and it might have happened in the heat of the moment. Obviously, Jaiswal, I don’t think he should have been so close (to Fernando), but that happens when you are in the heat of the moment," said Kotak.

Sri Lanka coach reflects on physical assault

Sri Lanka fast-bowling coach Ryan van Niekerk chose not to offer his assessment of the heated exchange. Instead, he kept his response brief and stated that match referee Andy Pycroft is the right person to review the incident and decide whether any further action is needed.

“The verbals are probably an overflow of emotion. I’ll leave that to the match referee to deal with," said Ryan van Niekerk.

The matter could now come under the ICC's scrutiny, with officials to judge whether Jaiswal's actions warrant being treated as a case of physical assault or any act of violence committed during an international fixture under Level 4, which represents the highest and most severe category of offense.