Team India to train indoors ahead of Delhi T20I: Report
What's the story
The Indian cricket team could train indoors in order to avoid the pollution in Delhi that has reached an extreme level post Diwali. It has been learnt that the outdoor training sessions will be optional ahead of Sunday's first T20I match against Bangladesh. Delhi's poor Air Quality Index is a major worrying sign. Here are further details.
AQI
AQI above 400 in Delhi, players could train indoors
According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, keeping in mind the poor Air Quality Index, Team India players will be given the option to train in the gym alone after a look at the weather this weekend. The air quality in Delhi reached the 463-mark on Monday post the Diwali celebrations. On Wednesday, the figure is still above 400 in most parts of Delhi.
Sessions
'You could see optional training sessions on both the days'
As per sources, the major issue could be the training especially if the weather doesn't improve. "The match shouldn't be a major problem as it is a night match, but the issue is the training and you could see optional training sessions on both the days if the weather doesn't improve," a source quoted to Mumbai Mirror.
Information
India set to arrive in Delhi on Thursday
India are set to arrive on Thursday and have two training sessions on November 1 and 2. The report claims that the sessions will be from 2 PM to 5 PM. Meanwhile, Bangladesh are scheduled to train from 9 AM to 12 noon.
DDCA
Bangladesh likely to skip training on Thursday: DDCA
A senior Delhi and District Cricket Association said Bangladesh could ask for a slight delay in training on Saturday. "To be honest, it was hurting the eyes a bit [yesterday]. And while Bangladesh also have 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.."
Lanka
Sri Lanka faced the brunt of air pollution in 2017
Back in December 2017, the Sri Lankan cricket team was left gasping for breath during a Test match at the Kotla. One witnessed players wearing protective masks as some fell ill as well. The visibility was poor as smog engulfed the city. Three Lankan players vomited due to breathlessness on Day 2 of the Test match. The play was stopped twice due to smog.
Stubble burning
Stubble burning a major concern for Delhi's pollution
As per AQI standards, 0-50 is considered good', 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor and 301-400 is very poor. Anything above 400 is considered to be severe, which can cause serious health issues. However, it isn't just Diwali that is the major cause of concern. Farm fires in Punjab and Haryana and the share of stubble burning have caused severe damage.