Fog Delays IND vs SA 4th T20 in Lucknow, Toss Uncertain; Shubman Gill Ruled Out Due to Injury

Next Inspection at 8 PM; Sanju Samson Likely to Open with Abhishek Sharma; Young Opener Just 47 Runs Away from Virat Kohli’s Record

Lucknow. The fourth match of the five-match T20I series between India and South Africa is scheduled to be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. India lead the series 2-1 and can seal the series with a win today. However, dense fog has caused a delay in the start of the match. The toss, originally scheduled for 6:30 PM, could not take place. Umpires inspected the field twice but postponed the toss due to poor visibility. The next inspection is now set for 8 PM. With the fog likely to thicken further, there is a real possibility that the match could be abandoned.

The Indian team has suffered a major blow. Vice-captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the remaining two matches of the series due to a toe injury. The injury occurred during a training session, and the team management is monitoring his recovery. In Gill’s absence, Sanju Samson is likely to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the third match due to personal reasons, could make a comeback.

Opener Abhishek Sharma has a chance to create history in this match. He is just 47 runs away from breaking Virat Kohli’s record for the most runs in a calendar year in T20 format (1614 runs in 2016). Abhishek has been in scintillating form throughout the year and will look to capitalise if the match gets underway.