IND vs SA 4th T20I: Probable Playing XIs, Team News and Updates

India and South Africa lock horns in the fourth T20I at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, on Wednesday evening, with the hosts eyeing yet another historic milestone. A win here would seal India’s 14th consecutive T20I series victory, underlining their growing dominance in the shortest format.

Team News- India

India have been forced into a change with Axar Patel ruled out of the remainder of the series. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed has been named as his replacement. While the BCCI has not officially confirmed Jasprit Bumrah’s availability, Shivam Dube hinted that the premier pacer could feature in the 4th T20I, a massive boost if it materializes.

The spotlight will once again be on Abhishek Sharma, who is just 47 runs away from surpassing Virat Kohli’s 2016 record for most runs by an Indian batter in a calendar year in T20 cricket. India’s bowling unit has also been ruthless, bowling out opponents 15 times in 33 innings since July 2024, the most by any team in this period.

Probable XI- India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana/Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

Team News- South Africa

South Africa, meanwhile, are searching for answers after another batting collapse. The visitors are likely to persist with their rotation policy, keeping an eye on long-term combinations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Despite the results not going their way, the individual talent in the squad remains undeniable.

A defeat in Lucknow would mean 19 losses in 29 T20Is for South Africa, a statistic they would be desperate to avoid.

Probable XI- South Africa: Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman

EKANA STADIUM Pitch Report & Conditions

Lucknow is expected to offer chilly and foggy evening conditions, with early assistance for pacers and dew playing a role later. While spinners may not get much help, disciplined bowling and smart batting will be key on a surface known for middling totals.