Jaiswal may face an ICC ban following his actions against Fernando in the Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka. India has to keep some potential opening names ready if Jaiswal misses out the upcoming matches. Jaiswal has requested everyone not to give judgement without knowing his side of the story.
Indian opening left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal has been fined 25% of his match fees by ICC, following his helmet-to-head physical clash with Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando during the second Test in Colombo. Fernando has also been fined 25% of his match fees. If Jaiswal would have been potentially banned then the Indian had to think of potential replacements for the opening spot.
If Jaiswal would have faced an ICC ban then India would have needed to think of some good available options for the opening spot in Tests which include Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill. Abhimanyu Easwaran could be a potential choice as he is a prolific run-scorer in domestic first-class cricket for Bengal and he has been waiting for his turn in the Indian side for a long time, although being an opening backup on India A tours. Easwaran has played 113 first-class matches in which he has scored 8,381 runs at an average of 47.62 which included 27 centuries and 36 half centuries. He is currently leading the East Zone in the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy. The next option is Sai Sudharsan, who was a part of India’s current Test squad but unfortunately has been ruled out of the squad due to a right big toe stress injury of his. Sudharsan has played 42 first-class matches in which he has scored 3,004 runs at an average of 42.91 and he also hit 168 against Sri Lanka A in July 2026. The third option is Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is known for his technique and strong performances in Ranji Trophy and India A. He has smashed 410 runs at an average of 82 in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy.
The last and the most potential option is the Indian Captain Shubman Gill. Gill has played 29 innings as an opener for India in his early days before moving down the order after sealing his spot in the Indian squad. Opening the batting, Gill has showcased good technique and solid footwork with the new red ball. He has scored 874 runs as an opener in 29 innings at an averafe of 32.37 which included 2 centuries and 4 half-centuries and a highest score of 128 against Australia in Ahmedabad, 2023. His most iconic knock (91 vs Australia, Brisbane, 2021) as an opener came at the Gabba which led to India’s historic fourth innings chase of 328. His maiden Test century (110) came against Bangladesh in Chattogram, 2022. Following the 2023 WTC Final, Gill left the opening spot for Jaiswal but now in his absence he can fill up the void.
What really happened?
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando got involved in a heated on-field physical and verbal clash during Day 1 of the second Test in Colombo after Fernando gave Jaiswal an aggressive send-off. Jaiswal turned back which led to a nose-to-nose confrontation where their heads and helmets touched. Both received official fines from ICC.
In a Cricbuzz video, commentator Harsha Bhogle questioned whether Jaiswal crossed the line with Fernando. In the comment section of this video, Jaiswal commented: “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.” This is not the first time he has been involved in a controversy, before this even in the first Test against Sri Lanka he threw a banter at Sri Lanka’s Dickwella.
Jaiswal’s performance in Tests
Yashasvi Jaiswal has made a prolific start to his Test career for India, scoring 2,567 runs in 30 matches at an average of 47.54, with seven centuries and 13 fifties. He scored a century on his debut (171) against the Windies and his highest score is 214*.
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Source: www.sportscapemagazine.com
