The fourth match of the five-match T20 series will be played between India and South Africa today. The Indian team is currently leading 2-1 in the series and will be eyeing to win the series. The form of captain Suryakumar Yadav remains a matter of concern for India. Keeping in view the T20 World Cup to be held next year, it is important for Suryakumar to get into rhythm soon. If he fails to score runs in this match also, the pressure on him will increase further.
Captain-vice-captain’s form a matter of concern
The Indian captain has been struggling to find his rhythm for over a year. His average in this format in the current season is less than 15. Apart from this, Suryakumar does not have any half-century in his name in 2025, which is the longest such phase in his career. During this period he has been successful in batting more than 20 balls only twice. Vice-captain Shubhman Gill’s performance has also been very poor. India’s top order has become unstable due to his opening the innings. Gill replaces the well-established Sanju Samson. The Kerala wicket-keeper batsman was pushed lower down the order and eventually dropped despite building an effective partnership with Abhishek Sharma.
Kuldeep’s place may remain intact
After Akshar Patel was out of the series due to illness, India has included Shahbaz Ahmed in the team, which may give more opportunities to Kuldeep Yadav. There is uncertainty regarding the availability of Jasprit Bumrah after not playing the last match due to personal reasons. In his absence, Arshdeep Singh was adjudged the player of the match in the last match, while Harshit Rana also supported him well in Dharamshala.
Less possibility of change in playing-11
Akshar Patel is out of the series due to illness. At the same time, Bumrah also did not play the last match. Shivam Dubey had told that Bumrah will be available for this match, but he cannot say with 100 percent certainty. If Bumrah is unable to make a comeback, then it is unlikely that India will make any changes in the playing-11. This means that once again Sanju Samson may have to sit out.
The probable playing-11 of both the teams for this match is as follows…
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubhman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakraborty.
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brewis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottenil Baartman.
