Jadeja: low batting order hurt confidence, prefers slow turner

India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has opened up about the early years of his international career, saying that being pushed down the batting order to No. 8 or 9 made him feel the team did not have faith in his ability with the bat. Speaking on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, Jadeja told broadcasters that watching a fast bowler pick a ball while he sat padded up left him 'disturbed' and questioning his place. He recalled often batting below Ravichandran Ashwin, which further dented his morale.

Jadeja, who has a first-class batting average above 60, said he now prefers a slow turner over a rank turner so he can contribute runs as well as wickets. The pitch in Galle is dry and offering turn, which he expects to increase as the game progresses. On day one, Devdutt Padikkal scored an unbeaten 131 and KL Rahul made 77 to take India to 288 for 2. Rain has delayed the start of day two.