A big blow for the Men in Blue, India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill Has been ruled out of the fourth T20 match against South Africa Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Ekana Cricket Stadium. The opening batsman has been ruled out of the match on Wednesday, December 17 due to a leg injury.
India’s injury concerns rise as Shubman Gill is ruled out of Lucknow T20I
Gill’s exclusion adds to India’s growing availability concerns. The vice-captain recently returned to the team after recovering from the neck problem that kept him out of the previous ODI series. This shock comes after the news that the all-rounder Akshar Patel Will not be able to play the remaining matches of the series due to illness.
With the T20 World Cup approaching in February, these injuries are a matter of concern for the team management as they look to finalize their main lineup during the remaining games against South Africa and the upcoming home series against New Zealand.
Struggling series for Indian vice-captain
Before the injury, Gill was facing a decline in form. Challenged to find his rhythm after a disappointing campaign in the Asia Cup, the opener struggled to hold his own against the Proteas attack:
- total runs: 32 runs in 3 matches
- series average: 10.66
- strike rate: 103.22
- recent issues: 4 (Cuttack), 0 (Mullanpur), and 28 (Dharamshala).
Overall, 2025 has been a quiet year by Gill’s standards, with the right-handed batsman scoring 291 runs at an average of 24.25 in 15 matches.
Also read: IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya creates history with unique milestone during 3rd T20I
Sanju Samson may return to the top
Gill’s absence is expected to clear the way sanju samson To return to the playing eleven. Samson, who last featured in a T20I during the Australia tour, has an impressive record as an opening batsman. In 2024, he was a standout performer for India in the shortest format.
Fog started late in Lucknow
While fans are excited about the team’s news, the match is facing weather-related obstacles. The toss has been delayed at Ekana Stadium due to dense fog in Lucknow. Groundstaff and officials are monitoring visibility levels to determine when play can safely resume.
