CHANDIGARH: After pollution in Delhi, inclement weather in Dharamsala struck the Sri Lankan cricket team.
The Thisara Perera-led side that beat India in the first ODI in Dharamsala on Sunday was supposed to reach Chandigarh on Monday. But the sudden change in weather forced cancellation of their chartered flight.
The catch is, their bags reached Chandigarh by road as the flight could not accommodate them. With the temperature plummeting to sub-zero levels in December, it needs to be seen how players from the tropical island manage to tackle the cold.
Since Monday morning, Dharamsala witnessed persistent rain as the Indian team departed around 9 in the morning in another chartered flight. Sri Lanka was supposed to leave an hour later, but with rain continuing to pour, the pilots struggled to take off. Dharamsala recorded a temperature of
3 degrees Celsius on Monday evening. According to sources, the players were confined to their rooms as they did not have enough warm clothes. They will now board a flight on Tuesday morning, provided the weather improves. Otherwise, like their baggage, they too may have to take a bus to Chandigarh for Wednesday’s fixture.
Though it takes about five hours from Dharamsala to Chandigarh, rain and fog means less visibility on the roads in the winter months. The Indian team that left in the morning also experienced severe air turbulence but touched down safely. They will train on Tuesday morning.