IND vs SA- Shubman Gill Injured Again! Ruled Out Of T20I Series, Sanju Samson Named Replacement: Report

India have suffered a significant setback ahead of the fourth T20I against South Africa, with vice-captain Shubman Gill reportedly ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a toe injury sustained

during a training session.

According to reports by PTI and Cricbuzz, the team management has decided to take a cautious approach with the opener's fitness, especially with a packed international calendar coming up.

Gill's absence is a concern not just for the ongoing T20I series but also for India's longer-term plans. The 25-year-old had only recently returned to action after missing a portion of the Test series and the entire ODI series in November and early December due to a neck injury. With another injury setback now, questions are being raised over the workload and fitness management of India's Test and ODI captain.

Sanju Samson is expected to step in as Gill's replacement at the top of the order for the remainder of the series. While Samson brings experience and explosive batting ability, Gill's consistency at the top was seen as a key factor in India's plans against South Africa.

India currently lead the five-match T20I series 2-1 and will be confident heading into the fourth game. In the previous match, the hosts delivered a commanding all-round performance, bowling South Africa out for just 117. The chase was wrapped up comfortably, sealing a seven-wicket win. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was the standout performer, finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 13 in his four overs.

However, the build-up to the fourth T20I at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow has faced a minor hurdle. The toss has been delayed due to thick fog in the area, with an inspection scheduled for 6:50 pm.

South Africa, meanwhile, find themselves under pressure. The visitors have struggled with the bat throughout the series, suffering collapses in two of the three matches played so far. Even in the previous game, only captain Aiden Markram offered resistance with a well-made 61. With the series slipping away, the fourth T20I becomes a must-win contest for South Africa, who will need a much-improved showing from both their batters and bowlers to stay alive in the series.