India’s vice-captain a significant blow to the Men in Blue Shubman Gill was ruled out in the fourth T20I against South Africa Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Ekana Cricket Stadium. The opener has been ruled out with a foot injury ahead of the clash on Wednesday, December 17.
India’s injury worries mount as Shubman Gill ruled out of Lucknow T20I
Gill’s exclusion raises concerns about India’s presence. The vice-captain had recently returned to the team after recovering from a neck problem that kept him out of the previous ODI series. This debacle follows extensive news coverage Akhar Patel will miss the remainder of the series due to illness.
With the T20 World Cup looming in February, these injuries worry the team management as they look to finalize their core squad for the remaining games against South Africa and the upcoming home series against New Zealand.
Indian vice-captaincy series fightback
Prior to the injury, Gill had suffered a slump in form. Tasked with finding his rhythm after a tepid Asia Cup campaign, the opener struggled to hold up against the Proteas’ onslaught:
- Total run: 32 runs in 3 matches
- Middle series: 10.66
- Holiday rate: 103.22
- Final scores: 4 (Cuttack), 0 (Mullanpur) and 28 (Dharamshala).
Overall, 2025 was a quiet year by Gill’s standards, with the right-hander amassing 291 runs at an average of 24.25 in 15 matches.
Also READ: IND vs SA: Hardik Pandya makes history with a unique feat during the 3rd T20I
Sanju Samson can return to the top
Gill’s absence is expected to pave the way Sanju Samson XI to return to the game. Samson, who last played in a T20I during the tour of Australia, has an impressive record as an opener. He was the outstanding performer in the shortest format for India in 2024.
Fog delays begin in Lucknow
While the team news has the fans vocal, the match itself is hampered by the weather. The toss at Ekana Stadium was postponed due to heavy fog in Lucknow. Ground staff and officials monitor visibility levels to determine when play can safely begin.
