Cricket enthusiasts are poised for an exciting clash as Team India prepares to face Afghanistan in a compelling three-match T20I series commencing on January 11. The battleground for the first match is set at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, where players from both sides are bracing themselves for the bone-chilling winter conditions.
A sneak peek into the players’ preparations was provided by the BCCI, who shared a video on social media showcasing the Indian squad’s rigorous training session at the IS Bindra Stadium. Indian cricketers were captured sharing their experiences during the practice session, a day ahead of the showdown in Mohali.
In the video, Shubman Gill jokingly comments on the cold, stating, “Not that cold, huh?” However, he quickly admits the reality, saying, “Actually, it’s very cold. I think it would be around 7 degrees. I just keep my hands in my pocket, but I would not advise that unless you have hand warmers in your pocket.”
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Injecting humor into the banter, KKR star Rinku Singh, a part of the squad, amusingly remarks, “Bhai sahab bahut thand hai (It’s very cold). Dekho abhi main domestic ka match khel ke aaya hoon Kerala mein. Wahan par aisi garmi thi, May-June waali (I just came back from Kerala after playing a domestic game, and it was extremely hot out there).”
Pacer Arshdeep Singh adds a touch of levity, stating, “Kaafi garmi lag rahi hai yaar tabhi half sleeves mein ghoom raha hoon. Thodi si thand hoti toh achha lagta (It’s pretty hot, hence, I am wearing half sleeves. Wish it was a bit cooler than what it is).”
Jacket 🧥 ON
Warmers ON
Gloves 🧤 ON #TeamIndia have a funny take on their “chilling” ❄️🥶 training session in Mohali. #INDvAFG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/rWeodTeDr2— BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2024
With Mohali experiencing temperatures between 6-9 degrees Celsius in the morning, the first T20I, scheduled for 7:00 PM IST, promises a chilly spectacle, with the toss set for 6:30 PM IST. As the evening progresses, temperatures could plummet to as low as 3 degrees Celsius.
Significantly, several regions in North India are witnessing a sudden drop in temperatures, leading to widespread fog and haze. This has affected visibility, causing delays and disruptions in many Ranji Trophy matches.
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The ongoing weather challenges have impacted the gameplay, with instances like the Haryana vs. Rajasthan match in Lahli, Rohtak, where the first innings couldn’t be completed due to a lack of play on three out of four days. As both teams aim for victory, this series marks India’s final foray into the shortest format before the T20 World Cup later this year. India and Afghanistan are eager to kick off the series positively, setting the stage for India’s upcoming red-ball series against England at home.
