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India faces South Africa within the third T20I at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, with Tilak Varma confident despite cold, dew, and a robust SA pace attack.
Tilak Varma training on the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala (X/BCCI)
India is gearing as much as play the third T20I against South Africa on 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 a few movement off the surface, will certainly 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 even have played an Under-19 India series here before. We’re watching the wicket and I feel it would be a high-scoring one,” Tilak was quoted as saying in the course of the pre-match press conference.
Nevertheless, he noted that low temperatures could assist bowlers early on.
With dew expected to play a task because 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’re preparing for the dew and have practised with a rather 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’re prepared mentally and physically. Those that are mentally strong succeed in all places,” he said.
Also Read: ‘Everyone Is Flexible…’: Tilak Varma Defends India’s Experiment With Batting Orders
Tilak added that moving across the batting order doesn’t affect his preparation.
“We follow the fundamentals in practice. I at all times take into consideration 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 big difference.
“In the primary two matches, the team batting first won because there was some seam and swing within the cold. Overall, there isn’t much difference as dew is available in early,” he said.
Confident about India’s approach, the left-hander said the side would keep on with its attacking template.
“We are going to play with the identical intent we have now shown within the last 15-20 matches. We’re confident of winning the series,” he said.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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December 13, 2025, 21:06 IST
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