India vs Afghanistan 1st T20I - Mohali Weather Report - Is the cold winter going to affect the players and game?

Team India is gearing up for a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, with the first game being played on January 11 in Mohali. Ahead of the series, India's head coach, Rahul Dravid, shared insights into the team's strategy, confirming the opening pair as Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Additionally, Dravid revealed that Virat Kohli would miss the first T20I due to "personal reasons," with speculations suggesting it might be related to his daughter Vamika's 3rd birthday.

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As the team prepares to host Afghanistan, it is essential to consider the cold winter weather in the northern parts of India. The challenging conditions may play a factor in the upcoming matches.

How has the climate affected the players?

In a video recently released by BCCI, players discussed their encounters with freezing temperatures during practice sessions at the IS Bindra Stadium. Shubman Gill, humorously acknowledging the chilly conditions said, "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."

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) star Rinku Singh added his perspective and said, "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."

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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)."

What will be the weather on the game day?

As the morning temperatures fluctuate between 6-9 degrees Celsius in Mohali, the first T20I scheduled for 7:00 PM IST is anticipated to experience a further decline to 3 degrees Celsius in the evening. 

Amidst these chilly conditions, both teams will be determined to start the series with a win as it will serve as the ultimate preparation in the upcoming T20 World Cup.