'Bhai Saab Bahut Thand Hai' - Indian cricketers feel the shivering in Mohali ahead of 1st T20I against Afghanistan

Fans are ready for a cricket face-off as Team India gear up to lock horns with Afghanistan in a thrilling three-match T20I series, commencing on January 11. The first match will be played at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, where both squads are set to confront the bone-chilling winter.

In a glimpse into the players' prep, the BCCI took to social media, sharing a video capturing the Indian players battling the cold at the IS Bindra Stadium during a rigorous training session. Indian cricketers were seen sharing their experiences about the play during their practice session a day ahead of the game in Mohali.

Shubman Gill, in the video, casually remarks, “Not that cold, huh?” But a reality check swiftly follows, as he admits, “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.”

Adding to the banter, KKR star Rinku Singh, also part of the squad, humorously comments, “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 (It's very cold. I just came back from Kerala after playing a domestic game, and it was extremely hot out there).”

Pacer Arshdeep Singh chips in with a dose of humour, saying, “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).”

With Mohali registering temperatures between 6-9 degrees Celsius in the morning, the first T20I, scheduled for 7:00 PM IST, promises a chilly showdown, with the toss set for 6:30 PM IST. As the evening progresses, the temperatures can drop to as low as 3-degree Celsius.

Notably, many regions, especially in North India, are experiencing a sudden fall in temperatures, leading to a lot of fog and haze. While this also reduces the visibility even in the morning, many matches in the ongoing Ranji Trophy started late, or saw very few overs being bowled throughout the day. In fact, a match between Haryana and Rajasthan in Lahli, Rohtak couldn't complete even the first innings, as no play was possible on three out of four days.

As the teams eye victory, this series marks India's final stint in the shortest format before the T20 World Cup later this year. Both India and Afghanistan would be eager to start the series on a positive note, before the former get themselves ready for the red-ball series against England at home.