Ravindra Jadeja said on Saturday that he suggested the team management declare before Tea on Day 2 of the 1st Test against Sri Lanka despite batting on 175 not out. Jadeja had the opportunity to hit his maiden double hundred but India declared on 574/8 after a 103-run partnership for the 9th wicket in Mohali.

Jadeja said he found the pitch had variable bounce and it was a nice opportunity to get the tired Sri Lanka batters batting and pick up early wickets.

Notably, television cameras captured captain Rohit Sharma having a lengthy chat with Kuldeep Yadav, who was sent to deliver a message to Jadeja, before he made the declaration call.

While there was a buzz that Jadeja should have been given a chance to go for a double, the cricketer insisted that it was an ideal time to declare giving opposition a session under difficult circumstances.

“I also told them that there is variable bounce and deliveries have started turning. So I sent a message that there is something on offer from the strip and I suggested that we should put them in to bat now itself,” Jadeja said.

“They were already tired fielding for nearly quarter to two days (five sessions),” Jadeja, who also picked up rival skipper Dimuth Karunaratne’s wicket, said after the second day’s play.

“Since they were tired, it was not easy to play the big shots straightaway and bat for long hours. So plan was to declare quickly and exploit the fatigue of the opposition batters,” he added.

Jadeja broke Kapil Dev’s record for the highest Test score while batting at No. 7 for India. The all-rounder posted his highest Test score of 175.

Jadeja then returned with the ball to pick up the crucial wicket of Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne. Jadeja’s 2nd delivery turned square from well outside the off-stump of the left-hander to hit his pads in line, justifying the all-rounder’s call to declare early.

JADEJA ON KARUNRATNE DISMISSAL

“When I was batting, there were some deliveries that turned and some kept low. There was natural variation off the surface and that was the plan. To keep the ball on the stumps and if we keep it on stumps, it can go straight or also turn from the same spot, and that’s what happened.

“My first ball (to Karunaratne) turned and second ball I thought that I will bowl on the fourth stump and if it turns or stays low, there was always a chance of getting a wicket.”

On his big hundred, Jadeja spoke about his mindset of trying to improve every time he plays for India.

“I look to improve my game every single time I play for India. When I get an opportunity to score runs, I look to implement that opportunity in performance and so yeah, all in all, I am very much happy,” he said.

Sri Lanka were reduced to 108/4 at Stumps on Day 2 as R Ashwin, Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah opened their accounts on what still looks like a good batting surface.