IND vs SA, 1st T20I: This is how BCCI is planning to beat the heat in Delhi
Rishabh Pant’s Team India will take on South Africa in the first match of the five-match T20 series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday, June 9. Both the teams had set up camps last week and are trying to cope with the scorching heat in the capital. South African spinner Tabrez Shamsi took to his Twitter handle to take a jibe at the BCCI, pointing to the scorching heat at the venue. Hence, the country’s top cricket body has come up with a plan to beat the heat in the first T20I of India vs South Africa.
“We clearly want to win the series” – Lungi Ngidi before the opening T20I against India#INDvSA #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/M7A5NeYbKz
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 8, 2022
According to TOI, the BCCI has decided to introduce a drink break after 10 overs to deal with the heat. This will help in giving some relief to the cricketers during the five-match T20I series. Heat wave is prevailing in Delhi for the last few months. The matches may be held in the evening but extreme temperatures can be felt till late in the evening. Even a practice session was conducted in the evening before the first T20 match.
India skipper Pant also expressed concern over the heat issue in the press conference ahead of the first T20I. “It’s the first time we’re playing in India after a long time with these kinds of conditions. We can get dehydrated, we can get tired quickly, but I think it’s part and parcel of the game. We just have to Keep improving and don’t think too much about the heat, focus on the game strategy,” Pant said.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma is also in shock due to the scorching heat in Delhi. “We expected it would be hot, it would not be hot. Luckily, the games are being played in the evening. At night, it is more bearable. People are trying to keep themselves hydrated. Mentally themselves Keeping it as fresh as possible,” he said.