Mohali: The public had been buzzing since Rohit Sharma declared the hosts’ innings on Day 2 of the first match at Mohali when Ravindra Jadeja was on the verge of smashing his maiden double ton in the first Test of the two-match series between India and Sri Lanka.
Following that, Jadeja disclosed why India declared when he was batting on 175 on Day 2 against Sri Lanka at a virtual news conference after the conclusion of the day’s play on Sunday.
“Yeah there was a message coming from inside and I was also telling them. When I was batting, balls had started taking spin and there was variable bounce. So I told them that the wicket is playing tricks and we can put them [Sri Lanka] into bat,” Jadeja said in the press conference after the gameplay of Day 2.
“They were on the field for almost two days and were naturally tired. So it wouldn’t have been easy for them to come out and start playing shots and stay further on the field. So our plan was to score quickly and declare as soon as possible,” he added during the post-day press conference.
Yes, it was Jadeja who suggested the Rahul Dravid-coached team should declare while he was unbeaten on 175. He had sent a message to the Indian dugout asking for a declaration.
At the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Jadeja’s unbeaten 175 helped the hosts to 574-8 d in 129.2 overs. In the course of his magnificent innings against Sri Lanka, Jadeja went on to break former Indian skipper Kapil Dev’s long-standing record. And now Jadeja’s 175 off 228 balls is the highest individual score by an Indian batter coming to bat at No.7 or below position in Test cricket.
