4th T20I vs SA: Series on the line as pressure mounts on Suryakumar, Gill

India will look to seal the five-match T20I series against South Africa in the fourth game on Wednesday, December 17, at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, following a dominant comeback in the third T20I.

After being outplayed in the second match, India’s bowlers bounced back to restrict the Proteas to just 117, setting up a comfortable chase that was completed in 15.5 overs, powered by an attacking start from Abhishek Sharma.

Despite the bowling heroics, concerns linger over captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill, who managed only 12 and 28 runs respectively. With just seven matches remaining before the T20 World Cup, scrutiny over their form has intensified.

South Africa look to bounce back

The Proteas endured a forgettable outing in the third T20I, with little going their way. Led by Aiden Markram, South Africa will aim to reset in Lucknow, knowing the series is still open.

Samson vs Gill debate

Gill’s struggles have reignited debate over his place in the side, with questions over whether Sanju Samson should reclaim the opening slot. Since returning in the Asia Cup 2025, Gill has yet to score a fifty in 15 innings. Management may hesitate to make drastic changes this close to the World Cup, but pressure on Gill will rise if his form does not improve.

Match details

Date & Time: Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 PM IST

Venue: Ekana Stadium, Lucknow

Live TV: Star Sports

Live streaming: JioHotstar

Pitch report

Teams batting first have dominated at Ekana, winning five out of six T20Is. The average first-innings score is 160. The surface assists spinners, but dew in the second innings could influence toss decisions, making bowling first preferable.

Team news

India will miss Jasprit Bumrah (family) and Axar Patel (illness) for the remainder of the series. South Africa have a full-strength squad, with David Miller expected back. Keshav Maharaj could strengthen their spin attack.

Predicted XIs

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman

Prediction

India are favourites to wrap up the series, but the toss and dew factor could play a pivotal role. South Africa will look to bounce back, but India’s recent dominance and home advantage make them strong contenders to win the fourth T20I.