India and South Africa will face off in a five-match T20I series starting today (June 9) at Arun Jaitley stadium, Delhi. The weather in Delhi has been a hot topic in both camps, with temperatures consistently exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken additional arrangements to deal with the extreme heat that would be present during the games.
To combat the heat, the BCCI has decided to introduce a drink break after 10 overs. This will provide the cricketers some rest during the five-match T20I series. For the past two months, Delhi has been experiencing a heat wave. Even though the matches are staged in the evening, excessive heat can be felt until late at night. Even before the first T20 match, a practise session was held in the evening.
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.
“This is the first time we are playing in these conditions after a long time. We might get dehydrated as heat will play its part. We might get tired earlier but I think it is a part and parcel of the game and we have to adjust accordingly,” said Rishabh Pant, stand-in captain of India.
