India thrashed South Africa by 7 wickets in the third T20I at HPCA Stadium, keeping their series hopes alive and putting pressure on the Proteas ahead of the fourth match. Riding high on this dominant performance, the Indian team now heads to Lucknow, where the fourth T20I will be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, December 17. With momentum on their side, India’s management is considering several changes to the playing XI to fine-tune the team for another strong performance.
Shubman Gill Likely to Be Rested, Sanju Samson Might Open
India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill has been struggling with form in the series, raising questions over his spot in the team. He managed just 4 runs from two balls in the first T20I and suffered a golden duck in the second match at Mullanpur. Even in the third T20I, where he scored 28 runs from 28 balls, Gill looked far from convincing.
In his place, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson could make a return. Samson, who scored three T20I centuries for India last year, hasn’t played a T20I since October 2025. His selection would give India a powerful batting option and reinforce the middle order.
Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah To Be Back But Who Will Rest?
Alongside Samson, Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to return for the fourth T20I. Both were absent in the third T20I due to enforced changes, in which India comfortably won. Their return will boost both the bowling and batting balance, though it raises questions about who will make way for them in the playing XI.
Will Kuldeep Yadav Play 4th T20I?
In the third T20I, Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana replaced Axar and Bumrah, and both performed admirably, picking up two wickets each. If the team management chooses to retain Kuldeep and Harshit, then Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy India’s top wicket-takers in T20Is against South Africa—could be rested. Arshdeep was also named Player of the Match in the third T20I, while Varun took two wickets, highlighting the depth and strength of India’s bowling options.
As the Lucknow match approaches, fans will keenly watch how India balances experience and form, making the fourth T20I a crucial encounter in this series.
IND vs SA T20I Series: India’s Likely Playing XI For 4th T20I
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma(w), Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
