Focus on Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill’s form:India hold 100% win record in T20Is at Lucknow; can they take 3-1 series lead?

India will look to wrap up the series when they take on South Africa in the fourth T20I on Wednesday, December 17, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. After a dominant win in Dharamsala, the hosts will head into the match with confidence and momentum firmly on their side. For the third T20I, India made two changes, bringing in Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana in place of Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel, and both are expected to retain their spots. Bumrah has returned home due to a family medical emergency, while Axar has been ruled out of the remaining matches because of illness. The replacements made an immediate impact, picking up two wickets each in India’s comfortable seven-wicket win. Sanju Samson’s continued absence from the playing XI has also been a talking point, especially given his strong record against South Africa. South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, has experimented with their combination throughout the series but is likely to field their strongest XI in this must-win clash. The visitors could consider recalling experienced batter David Miller to strengthen the middle order, possibly replacing Donovan Ferreira. There is also a chance that left-arm pacer Kwena Mapakha may be given an opportunity, as he is yet to play in the series. IND vs SA, 4th T20I match details Date Time: 17 December, 07:00 PM Venue: BRAVB Ekana Stadium, Lucknow Live Streaming: Jio Hotstar Live Telecast: Star Sports Network Latest News and Updates: Bhaskar English (App/Website) IND vs SA, head-to-head records in T20I In overall T20I head-to-head encounters, India and South Africa have faced each other 34 times. India holds the advantage with 20 victories, while South Africa has won 13 matches. One game between the two sides ended with no result. When playing in India, the rivalry has been much closer. Out of 15 T20Is hosted in the country, South Africa has a slight edge with seven wins, while India has managed six victories. One match in India also finished without a result. Bumrah returns home, Axar ruled out as Shahbaz receives maiden India call-up Axar Patel ruled out of the remaining T20I series against South Africa due to illness. The BCCI Men’s Selection Committee has selected Shahbaz Ahmed as Axa’s replacement for the last two T20Is, which will be played in Lucknow and Ahmedabad. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah flew back home ahead of the third T20I in Dharamsala due to a family emergency. According to sources, a very close family member is currently hospitalised. Ekana Stadium pitch report The pitch at the Ekana Cricket Stadium is generally slow and low scoring, making it a favourable surface for spinners. They can get good turn and support from the track, while batters may find it challenging to play their shots freely. Lucknow weather report Wednesday will be pleasant with a temperature around 23°C. Skies are expected to remain clear, with no chance of precipitation. Humidity will be moderate at 65%, while light winds are blowing at 8 km/h in Lucknow