Despite batting on 175 not out in the first Test against Sri Lanka. Jadeja had a chance to score his maiden double century but India declared at 574/8 after a 103-run stand for the ninth wicket in Mohali.
Jadeja said he found that the pitch had its ups and downs and it was a good opportunity for the weary Sri Lankan batsmen to bat and take early wickets.
Notably, television cameras captured skipper Rohit Sharma having a lengthy conversation with Kuldeep Yadav, which was sent to Jadeja to deliver a message, before he made the announcement.
While there was talk that Jadeja should have been given a chance to play a double, the cricketer insisted that it was an ideal time to announce the opposition to a session in tough conditions.
Jadeja said, ‘I also told him that the bounce is changing and the ball has started turning. So I sent a message that something is on offer from Stripe and I suggested that we should bring him to bat now.
Jadeja, who took the wicket of rival captain Dimuth Karunaratne after the second day’s play, said, “He was almost tired of fielding for two days (five sessions) from the fourth quarter.”
“Since they were tired, it was not easy to play straight big shots and bat for long. So a plan was to declare early and take advantage of the fatigue of the opposition batsmen,” he said.
Jadeja broke Kapil Dev’s record for the highest Test score while batting at number seven for India. The all-rounder posted his highest Test score of 175.
Jadeja then returned with the ball and took the crucial wicket of Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne. Jadeja’s second ball went square outside the left-hander’s off-stump, putting his pads in line, justifying the all-rounder’s call to declare early.
“When I was batting, there were some balls that got twisted and some were kept low. There was a natural variation from the surface and that was the plan. To put the ball on the stumps and if we put it on the stumps, it’s straight Can go or turn from the same place, and that’s what happened.
“My first ball turned (for Karunaratne) and the second ball I thought I would bowl at the fourth stump and if it turns or stays short, there is always a chance of getting a wicket.”
On his big century, Jadeja talked about his mindset to improve every time he plays for India.
He said, “Whenever I play for India, I want to improve my game. When I get an opportunity to score runs, I want to apply that opportunity in performance and yes, overall, I am very I’m happy.”
Sri Lanka were reduced to 108/4 at stumps on the second day as R Ashwin, Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah opened their accounts in what still looks like a good batting surface.