The recent confrontation between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando has led to a fresh discussion around player behaviour in international cricket. While the incident was dealt with through fines and demerit points, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes the matter raises a bigger question about how such incidents should be handled. Manjrekar shared his thoughts on social media, directing his criticism towards the BCCI and ICC.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando clash during second Test
The incident took place during the opening day of the second Test between India and Sri Lanka. Jaiswal had started the over aggressively, hitting three boundaries before Fernando produced a delivery that beat the batter’s defence and sent his stumps flying. As Jaiswal walked away following his dismissal, words were exchanged between the two players. The Indian opener then turned around and moved towards Fernando, with his helmet making contact with the Sri Lankan pacer’s forehead.
Players from both teams immediately intervened and prevented the confrontation from escalating further. The ICC later confirmed that both players had breached Article 2.12 of its Code of Conduct, relating to inappropriate physical contact. Jaiswal and Fernando were each given one demerit point and fined 25 per cent of their match fees.
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Manjrekar brings up Vaibhav Suryavanshi incident
Manjrekar also referred to an earlier incident involving Vaibhav Suryavanshi during the Tri-Nation A series in Dambulla. India A suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Sri Lanka in a Super Over, after which Suryavanshi appeared unhappy with the opposition’s celebrations. The teenager confronted the Sri Lankan players and exchanged words before the situation became physical and officials stepped in. Suryavanshi was subsequently fined 50 per cent of his match fee.
Drawing a connection between the two incidents, Manjrekar argued that repeated leniency could send the wrong message to young players. He wrote on X:
“Dear @icc & @bcci… Vaibhav for India A recently & now Jaiswal… if you keep letting them get away with such behaviour, you train them to repeat such behaviour. It’s not good for the sport & crucially their own future too.”
Manjrekar’s comments have therefore opened up a wider debate over whether financial penalties and demerit points are sufficient deterrents for on-field misconduct, particularly when young players are involved.
Dear @icc & @bcci…
Vaibhav for Ind A recently & now Jaiswal… if you keep letting them get away with such behaviour, you train them to repeat such behaviour. It’s not good for the sport & crucially their own future too. 🙏— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 26, 2026
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