As the Indian cricket team gears up for the upcoming T20 International series opener against Afghanistan, they are met with the biting cold of Mohali, Punjab. Preparing in such frosty conditions is not standard for cricket, a sport more accustomed to sun and sweat than shivers. The team, however, has taken to the Inderjit Singh Bindra Stadium with vigor, adapting their training regime to suit the unexpectedly harsh winter chill.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) documented the players’ chilly practice session and shared the footage on social media, allowing fans a glimpse into the lighter moments of camaraderie and banter.
Watch the Men in Blue Confront the Cold
The shared video clip features young batting sensation Shubman Gill joking about the deceptive cold. He quips, “Not that cold, huh?” before conceding, “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.” Despite the freezing temperatures, his spirits remain high, showcasing the team’s resilience.
Rinku Singh’s Contrast Experience
Conversely, Rinku Singh, who has emerged as a vital finisher for the team in the shortest format, shares a stark contrast in his recent experiences. Coming from a domestic match in Kerala, where the weather was warm and reminiscent of summer, Singh finds the Mohali cold challenging. He describes the sensation in Hindi, highlighting the significant temperature drop he’s contending with: “Bhai sahab bahut thand hai. Dekho abhi main domestic ka match khel ke aaya hoon Kerala mein. Wahan par aisi garmi thi, May-June waali.”
Arshdeep Singh’s Humorous Take
Arshdeep Singh, the emerging left-arm speedster in the squad, maintains a humorous stance on the weather. With irony, he remarks on his choice of attire, “Kaafi garmi lag rahi hai yaar tabhi half sleeves mein ghoom raha hoon. Thodi si thand hoti toh achha lagta.” His light-hearted comment about wishing it were cooler, even as he sports half-sleeves in the freezing conditions, brings a smile to the situation.
The Cold Wave in Northern India
This period marks a significant and consistent dip in temperatures across northern India, with the cold wave affecting daily life and sports alike. Mohali is no exception, experiencing an extreme spell of cold weather, which is likely to persist. The drastic change in climate from the usually moderate winters poses a new kind of challenge for the cricket team, one that tests both their physical preparedness and their mental fortitude.
Anticipating the Series Opener
As Team India continues to train in these frigid conditions, they are also gearing up strategically for the series opener. Facing Afghanistan, they aim to make a strong statement with their performance in the T20 format. While the players are athletes first, their ability to adapt to weather conditions also plays a critical role in their readiness for any game. The team’s jovial approach to training in the cold signals their readiness to tackle any obstacles that come their way, be it on the pitch or from the weather gods.
The BCCI’s video serves as a glimpse into the team’s spirit and unity, revealing the less seen but equally challenging aspect of cricket—playing against not just the opponent but also nature. As the series approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the Men in Blue translate their cold-weather prep into fiery performances on the field.
