'He was abusing him nonstop': Dhruv Jurel reveals trigger behind Yashasvi Jaiswal's clash with Asitha Fernando

India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has shed light on the heated on-field altercation between opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando during the second Test in Colombo, revealing that verbal abuse triggered the confrontation.

The incident occurred during the opening session of Day 1 in the second Test. Jaiswal, batting aggressively on 45, had struck Fernando for three boundaries in the 17th over before the Sri Lankan fast bowler dismissed him on the final ball. Fernando celebrated with an animated send-off as Jaiswal walked toward the pavilion. However, Jaiswal quickly turned back to confront the bowler, prompting teammates and the Sri Lankan captain to step in and separate the pair.

'He Was Abusing Him Nonstop'

Speaking to former India batter Aakash Chopra nearly a month after the clash, Jurel shared what Jaiswal told him regarding the flashpoint.

“When he got out, he was quietly walking back to the dressing room. He didn't say anything. If you look at the footage, Jaiswal immediately turned around. The Sri Lankan pacer was abusing him. Jaiswal told me that he was abusing him nonstop,” Jurel said.

Jurel clarified that while Jaiswal understood standard fast-bowling aggression and celebrations, he took issue with personal insults.

“Jaiswal told him, ‘It's okay. You took my wicket, you can show normal aggression, but you can't abuse me,’” Jurel explained.

'He Will Never Start It'

Jurel, who also shares a dressing room with Jaiswal at Rajasthan Royals, noted that the young opener rarely instigates altercations but will not back down when targeted.

“100 per cent. He will never start it; I have never seen him do that. He is always in the zone; he is always thinking about his batting. But if you provoke us, we will also return it,” Jurel added.

Both Jaiswal and Fernando were subsequently sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Code of Conduct following the altercation.