IND v BAN | Training sessions ahead of first T20I in jeopardy due to poor air quality in Delhi
Both Indian and Bangladeshi players may opt out of the outdoor training sessions at the Arun Jaitley Stadium ahead of the first of three T20Is between the two nations because of the poor air quality in Delhi. A final decision on the matter will be made after inspections on Friday and Saturday.
With the Air Quality Index (AQI), especially in the aftermath of Diwali, not showing much signs of improvement, sources in the know of developments reckon that the Indian players could give the hardcore outdoor training sessions a miss. Instead, it is understood that the players will spend more time at the gym before the opening T20I against Bangladesh, after they arrive on October 31. The Men in Blue have two training sessions planned — both from 2 PM to 5 PM on November 1 and 2 — but it could turn into optional sessions.
"The match shouldn't be a major problem as it is a night match, but the issue is the training (set for the mornings) and you could see optional training sessions on both the days if the weather doesn't improve. This isn't a fresh season and the players have already been playing so some gym sessions should be enough to get them up and running after the Diwali break. And even if you have the senior players coming in on Saturday -- the eve of the game -- it could be just to gauge the playing conditions. But again, all that depends on the weather conditions,” the source told IANS.
"We have been keeping a check on the weather forecast and while the sun didn't come out on Tuesday, it is showing sunny on Friday, so in that case, training shouldn't be a problem. Once the sun comes out, things will hopefully be sorted and in that scenario, we will have full training sessions," the source added.
Meanwhile, a senior official with the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) said that the teams will train, but at different timings because of the weather.
"To be honest, it was hurting the eyes a bit today. And while Bangladesh also has a training session for Thursday, I don't think that will take place. Also, Bangladesh could ask for a slight delay in the training timing for Saturday as they are scheduled to train from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Training in the morning would be an issue and in such a scenario and India's training could also then be pushed a little deeper," the official said.
At one point, several questions were asked with regard to a possible change to the venue for the match, but a BCCI functionary confirmed the opposite.
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