In a significant blow to the Men in Blue, India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the fourth T20I against South Africa at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. The opener is sidelined due to a foot injury sustained ahead of the clash on Wednesday, December 17.

India’s injury concerns grow with Shubman Gill ruled out of Lucknow T20I

Gill’s exclusion adds to India’s mounting availability concerns. The vice-captain had only recently returned to the squad after recovering from a neck issue that kept him out of the preceding ODI series. This setback follows the news that all-rounder Axar Patel will miss the remainder of the series due to illness.

With the T20 World Cup approaching in February, these injuries are a concern for the team management as they look to finalize their core lineup during the remaining games against South Africa and the upcoming home series against New Zealand.

A struggling series for the Indian vice-captain

Before the injury, Gill was facing a dip in form. Tasked with finding his rhythm after a lukewarm Asia Cup campaign, the opener struggled to find his footing against the Proteas’ attack:

• Total runs: 32 runs in 3 matches
• Series average: 10.66
• Strike rate: 103.22
• Recent scores: 4 (Cuttack), 0 (Mullanpur), and 28 (Dharamshala).

Overall, 2025 has been a quiet year by Gill’s standards, with the right-hander accumulating 291 runs in 15 matches at an average of 24.25.

Sanju Samson may return at the top

Gill’s absence is expected to pave the way for Sanju Samson to return to the playing XI. Samson, who last featured in a T20I during the tour of Australia, boasts an impressive record as an opener. In 2024, he was a standout performer for India in the shortest format.

Fog delays start in Lucknow

While the team news has fans buzzing, the match itself faces a weather- hurdle. The toss at the Ekana Stadium has been delayed due to heavy fog in Lucknow. Groundstaff and officials are monitoring the visibility levels to determine when play can safely commence.