India Star Looking Forward To SA Contest In Sub-10 Dharamsala: 'Prepared Mentally And Physically'

India is gearing up to play the third T20I against South Africa at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday in sub-10-degree temperatures amidst the ice-clad Dhauladhar range.

The South African pace attack, featuring Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Ottniel Baartman, and Lutho Sipamla, has demonstrated effective bowling on Indian tracks. The HPCA Stadium strip, offering extra bounce and some movement off the surface, will definitely keep them interested.

Providing context to the conditions in Dharamsala, 23-year-old Tilak Varma mentioned that the surface could still favour batters despite the cold weather.

“I have played an Under-19 India series here before. We are watching the wicket and I feel it will

be a high-scoring one,” Tilak was quoted as saying during the pre-match press conference.

However, he noted that low temperatures could assist bowlers early on.

With dew expected to play a role as the match begins at 7 pm, Tilak said India is mentally prepared for the challenge.

“We don’t have the toss in our hands. We are preparing for the dew and have practised with a slightly wet ball,” he said.

Addressing concerns about playing in unfamiliar cold conditions, Tilak emphasised the importance of mental strength.

“It’s very cold here, but we are prepared mentally and physically. Those who are mentally strong succeed everywhere,” he said.

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Tilak added that moving across the batting order does not affect his preparation.

“We follow the basics in practice. I always think about what I can do for the team,” he said.

Dew And Toss

Regarding the toss, Tilak felt that batting first or second may not make a significant difference.

“In the first two matches, the team batting first won because there was some seam and swing in the cold. Overall, there isn’t much difference as dew comes in early,” he said.

Confident about India’s approach, the left-hander said the side would stick to its attacking template.

“We will play with the same intent we have shown in the last 15-20 matches. We are confident of winning the series,” he said.

(With inputs from Agencies)