Lucknow, Dec17: The toss for the fourth T20I between India and South Africa at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium here has been delayed due to dense fog on Wednesday evening.

India suffered a setback ahead of the match as opener Shubman Gill was ruled out with a foot injury sustained during a nets session on Tuesday. His absence is likely to open the door for Sanju Samson, who last featured in a T20I against Australia in Melbourne earlier this year.

Gill also suffered an untimely neck injury which prevented his participation in previous Test and ODI series.

South Africa, meanwhile, enter the contest under pressure, having endured batting collapses in both Dharamsala and Cuttack. Despite Aiden Markram’s fighting 61 in Dharamsala, the visitors’ lack of consistency with the bat has raised concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup. With the series on the line, the Proteas must regroup quickly to avoid another setback.

India continue to face familiar challenges, with Suryakumar Yadav’s lean patch persisting and Gill’s absence adding to their top-order worries. Yet, the hosts have the opportunity to clinch the series in Lucknow, which would provide momentum heading into the global tournament.

Both teams remain focused on the broader picture—the upcoming T20 World Cup—while balancing the immediate stakes of the series. For South Africa, it is a must-win game; for India, a chance to consolidate and address lingering concerns before the bigger stage.