Ind vs SA 1st T20I: Match abandoned due to heavy rain in Dharamshala

Dharamsala weather played a spoilsport as it rained heavily diminishing all hopes for a full match

7:59 PM

7:48 PM

Match abandoned due to rain

7:47 PM

7:24 PM

Rain persists

It's still pouring in, looks like we have a long wait ahead

7:11 PM

What Virat Kohli is expecting from new players

With a lot of new faces trying to prove their mettle, the skipper outlined the specifics that he is looking in some of the players going forward in the season.

 

"As far as the road map is concerned, whenever there is a world tournament coming up, it is like a milestone and you start preparing from backwards (back calculate matches). I think every team will go though same process before T20 WC.

 

"These are opportunities where we can try various combinations with new people around -- check their ability, character, composure to perform at international level. From that point of view, it is exciting for a captain to try different players and check out combinations. We have all come through that process and I feel happy when I see these new faces emerging, trying to express themselves.

6:41 PM

Kohli on Chahal, Kuldeep omission from T20I squad

Kohli also justified Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal's omission from the T20 squad as their weakness with the willow has prompted them to try out some other options.

 

"That was one of the reasons also to give opportunities to the guys who have done well in the domestic format and the T20 format and in the IPL also. So I think it's about finding the best balance that we can as a side and not necessarily stick to one kind of combination. If all teams across the world are batting till No. 9, 10, why can't we," the captain explained.

 

The India skipper recalled how the team management was criticised when Chahal and Kuldeep were inducted in the white ball set-up replacing a more fancied Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.

 

"So, you need to take those calls at one stage. Bringing those guys (Chahal and Kuldeep) at one stage was also not taken well by people. Look, whatever decisions are made, are to make sure that the team has the best and strongest balance that we can have approaching the T20 World Cup that we have next year," Kohli said.

The lack of wickets in the middle overs prompted the team management to look in the direction of wrist-spinners Yuzvendra Chahal (left) and Kuldeep Yadav

6:35 PM

Dharamsala weather update: It is raining at the moment

6:32 PM

TOSS UPDATE: Toss delayed due to rai

Toss delayed and live pictures do not look good as it is drizzling again

6:29 PM

Covers are off, groundsmen doing their best to remove the water from covers, super soper on

6:25 PM

Dharamsala live weather update: Only 20 per cent chance of rain but puddles on ground is concern

(Photo credit: accuweather.com)