The fourth T20I between India and South Africa has been delayed due to thick fog at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The initial inspection was done around 6:50 PM IST and with the conditions not getting better, another was planned for 7:30 PM IST.
Amid the delay, India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was spotted wearing a mask as the players warmed up and chatted among themselves while waiting for an update.
The decision was taken as a thick layer of smog will create a hindrance for the fielders if the balls are hit in the air.
The BCCI’s Tours and Fixtures Committee’s decision to slot matches in the eastern and northern regions of the country during winters has certainly come under scrutiny.
India lead the five-match series 2-1 following their
impressive win in Dharamsala last week.
Meanwhile, an out-of-form India T20I vice-captain, Shubman Gill, has reportedly been ruled out of the last two T20I games against South Africa with a toe injury.
News agency PTI reported that Gill sustained the injury during a training session and all precautionary measures are being taken to ensure his speedy recovery. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson is likely to play as an opener in Gill’s place.
India are already without all-rounder Axar Patel who has been ruled out from the remainder of the series due to an undisclosed illness. Shahbaz Ahmed has been named as his replacement.
Besides Gill, Suryakumar Yadav is also under the pump due to his form as well. However, the India T20I captain continues to be defiant, claiming he’s not out of touch.
“I’ve been batting beautifully in the nets. I’m trying everything that’s in my control. When the runs have to come, they’ll definitely come. I’m not out of form, but definitely out of runs,” Suryakumar asserted in Dharamsala.
India’s Updated T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed
