(Image Source: X- BCCI)
[Saba Sports News] Cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan, starting January 11. The opening match is set to take place at Mohali’s Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, amidst a harsh winter setting.
The BCCI shared a video on social media showing Indian players acclimatizing to the cold conditions during an intense training session at the IS Bindra Stadium. The players discussed their chilly experience, with Shubman Gill jokingly downplaying the cold before admitting to the near 7-degree temperature and keeping his hands in his pockets for warmth.
\Rinku Singh of KKR, part of the squad, humorously contrasted the cold in Mohali with the heat he experienced playing a domestic game in Kerala. Pacer Arshdeep Singh joined in the jest, sarcastically commenting on the warmth and wishing for cooler temperatures.
With morning temperatures in Mohali hovering between 6-9 degrees Celsius, the 7:00 PM IST first T20I is anticipated to be even colder, potentially dropping to 3 degrees. The toss is scheduled for 6:30 PM IST.
This cold wave, particularly affecting North India, has led to fog and haze, impacting visibility and disrupting cricket matches, including in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. A match in Rohtak was heavily affected, with limited play over four days.
As both teams aim for a strong start in this series, it serves as India’s final preparation in the T20 format before the World Cup later in the year. Both India and Afghanistan are keen to kick off with a win, with India also preparing for a home Test series against England.