India vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test: I suggested the team management declare, says Ravindra Jadeja after 175 not out

India vs Sri Lanka: Ravindra Jadeja dismissed speculation around India's declaration, saying he had suggested the team to end the innings despite missing out on an opportunity to hit his maiden double hundred in Tests on Saturday.

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.