After returning to the series with an emphatic win in the third T20I, India will look to seal the five-match series against South Africa in the fourth match on Wednesday, December 17 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. India mounted a perfect response after being bowled out in the second match as their bowlers came to the fore to bundle out the Proteas for just 117.
In the batting department, Abhishek Sharma once again started with his usual attacking style and set up the chase for the hosts who achieved a modest target in just 15.5 overs. While India’s bowling has returned to its best despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel, concerns remain over the batting form of Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill.
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The captain and vice-captain again failed to make an impact, being dismissed for 12 and 28. With just seven matches left in the T20 World Cup build-up, scrutiny of their form has intensified as India prepare to defend their title at home.
Meanwhile, South Africa suffered a forgettable outing in the third T20I with nothing clicking for the visitors. The Aiden Markram-led side will want to see this as an aberration and move forward with a positive mindset, with the series in Lucknow still up for grabs.
Will Samson get a chance?
After Shubman Gill’s continued struggles, questions arose about his standing in the side despite his role as vice-captain. Gill was recalled to the T20I squad during the 2025 Asia Cup, replacing Sanju Samson at the top of the order, despite Samson’s strong success in the role.
Since Gill’s return, Samson was not given regular opportunities, with constant reshuffle in the order of shots affecting his rhythm. Gill has failed to post a single 50+ score in 15 innings since his comeback, sparking a growing debate over whether the team management should consider putting Samson at the top again. With just seven matches remaining in the T20 World Cup, this question continues to dominate the discussions.
The management may refrain from making drastic changes just two months before the tournament, but the buzz around Gill’s form will only intensify if he fails again in Lucknow.
When and where to watch?
The fourth T20I match against South Africa will start at 19:00 IST at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The match will be telecast live on Star Sports, live streaming is available on JioHotstar.
Ekana Stadium pitch report
A total of six T20Is have been played at the Ekana Stadium, with teams batting first on five occasions. The average score in the first innings is 160 while the highest successful chase is 100. The surface is known to offer help to the spinners. However, with dew likely to play a role in the second innings, captains who win the toss may prefer to bowl first.
4. T20I team news
India suffered significant setbacks ahead of the third T20I, Jasprit Bumrah returns to Mumbai for a family matter. The pace spearhead is unlikely to appear for the rest of the series. Meanwhile, all-rounder Axar Patel has been ruled out of the entire series due to illness.
Despite the absence of two senior players, India’s depth has enabled them to tackle effectively and they are expected to put up another strong performance in Lucknow.
South Africa, on the other hand, have no injury concerns with all players available for selection. The visitors made three changes in the third T20I, bringing in Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch and Anrich Nortje. David Miller was a notable absence and is expected to return in the upcoming fixture. The Proteas may also consider bringing in Keshav Maharaj to bolster their spin attack, which will give them good help on the Lucknow surface.
Expected XI
India Predicted XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (w), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
South Africa Predicted XI: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (f), Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman
IND vs SA 4th T20I Prediction
India will be keen to wrap up the series in the upcoming match while South Africa are expected to respond strongly. The draw is likely to play a key role again due to the dew factor later in the evening.
However, given India’s recent dominance, they are favorites to end South Africa’s hopes of leveling the series and should emerge victorious in the fourth T20I.
– The end
Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
December 17, 2025
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