India skipper Rohit Sharma’s declaration in the first innings of the ongoing Mohali Test against Sri Lanka left the fans and experts by surprise.

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was batting on 175* when Rohit decided to declare the innings on 574/8. The umpires also called for an early Tea as soon as the Indian captain declared the innings.

While there was a buzz that Jadeja should have been given a chance to reach his double century, the cricketer later confirmed that he sent a message asking for declaration as he wanted the hosts to exploit the variable bounce and turn on offer

"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.

"They were already tired fielding for nearly quarter to two days (five sessions)," Jadeja said after 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 further explained.

The declaration proved to be a good one as India reduced the Sri Lankan side to 108/4 at stumps on Day 2, still leading the visitors by 466 runs. Jadeja picked up rival skipper Dimuth Karunaratne's wicket and ended the day with the figures of 1/30 in his 9 overs.

"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."

Talking about his big hundred, Jadeja said: "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."

While he has three triple hundreds to his name in First-Class cricket, Jadeja has no issues batting at No.7 for India.

"I used to bat at No.4 for Saurashtra so I had a lot of time to build my innings but here I bat No.7 but Rishabh, Ashwin and Shami all three supported me," he said.

"As a batter, I give myself time in shot selection and I select my shot after analysing the behaviour of the strip. The mindset needs to change in international cricket and I try to stay calm in pressure situations, so that I can maximise my ability and play my natural game."

(With PTI inputs)