Team India is gearing up to take on Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series starting on January 11, with the first match scheduled in Mohali. The cold winter weather is taking center stage as players share their experiences of shivering temperatures during practice sessions at the IS Bindra Stadium.
In a video shared by the BCCI on X (formerly Twitter), Indian cricketers can be seen coping with the chilly conditions. Shubman Gill, acknowledging the cold, humorously mentions, ‘Not that cold, huh? 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.’
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
KKR star Rinku Singh adds his perspective, saying, ‘Bhai sahab bahut thand hai (It’s very cold). I just came back from Kerala after playing a domestic game (UP vs Kerala, Ranji Trophy), and it was extremely hot there.’
Pacer Arshdeep Singh lightens the mood with a funny take, ‘Kaafi garmi lag rahi hai yaar tabhi half sleeves mein ghoom raha hoon (It’s pretty hot; hence, I am wearing half sleeves). Thodi si thand hoti toh achha lagta (Wish it was a bit cooler than what it is).’
With temperatures ranging between 6-9 degrees Celsius in the morning in Mohali, the first T20I, scheduled for 7:00 PM IST, is expected to witness a further drop to 3 degrees Celsius in the evening. Both teams will be eyeing a victory in this series, which serves as India’s final preparation in the T20 format before the upcoming T20 World Cup.
India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, discussed the team’s strategy ahead of the series, stating, ‘As of now, we will certainly be opening with Rohit and Jaiswal. But when you have a squad, you have to have that flexibility to do whatever is required if that is in the best interest of the team and gives us the best chance to succeed. So nothing is closed.’