IND vs SA 4th T20I Toss Delayed Due to Fog, Gill Out With Foot Injury
Fog delayed the toss in Lucknow as India faced South Africa without injured Shubman Gill.
The toss for the fourth T20I between India and South Africa has been delayed due to dense fog enveloping the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on December 17, 2025. With India leading the five-match series 2-1, a win today would seal the trophy for the hosts, while South Africa, under captain Aiden Markram, desperately need victory to level terms and force a decider in Ahmedabad.
Vice-captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out for the remainder of the series after sustaining a foot injury, adding to India's concerns despite their dominant performances in the second and third games. Gill's absence opens the door for potential changes in the top order, with youngsters like Tilak Varma or Abhishek Sharma in contention for greater roles.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav remains under scrutiny for his prolonged lean patch, with low scores continuing to raise questions about his T20I form ahead of major tournaments. However, a strong showing today could see him achieve a significant milestone—nearing 2,500 T20I runs or another captaincy record—as India looks to maintain momentum.
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South Africa, stung by collapses in recent matches, will bank on experienced players like Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller to counter India's potent spin attack led by Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav. The Proteas' bowling, featuring Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, must exploit any early moisture or swing under lights if play commences.
Foggy conditions have already impacted visibility, with the cut-off time for a full match looming, potentially leading to a shortened contest or further delays. The Ekana pitch typically offers balance but can assist spinners as the game progresses, especially in dew-affected second innings. As both teams await clearer skies, India's depth gives them an edge, but South Africa's resolve to bounce back makes this a pivotal encounter in the series. Live updates will resume once the toss and play begin.
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