India's Yashasvi Jaiswal, second right, and Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando (78) exchange words during day one of the second cricket test match between Sri Lanka and India in Sri Lanka. (AP Photo)
Colombo: India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal on Monday hit back at criticism over his heated altercation with Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando, saying people should know what was said to him before passing judgement on his reaction.
Jaiswal has copped considerable criticism for his behaviour during the incident, which took place on the opening day of the second Test at the SSC ground here on Sunday.
"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," Jaiswal commented on a Cricbuzz video posted on Instagram discussing the incident.
In the video, prominent commentator Harsha Bhogle said the best thing for Jaiswal to do would have been to simply walk away.
"All I want to say to Jaiswal is... yes, maybe what was said should not have been said. But as you give, so you must take. The easiest thing is just to walk away," Bhogle said.
Jaiswal was involved in a tense altercation with Fernando, during which the Indian opener's helmet made contact with the Sri Lankan pacer's forehead.
The fracas took place immediately after Fernando dismissed Jaiswal for 45 with a sharp nip-backer during the first session.
As the left-hander was walking back to the pavilion, Fernando gave him a send-off, prompting Jaiswal to turn around and confront the pacer.
The two players were engaged in a heated verbal exchange, during which Jaiswal's helmet touched Fernando's forehead, before Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva intervened to separate them.
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