Cricket took a back seat in Lucknow on Wednesday night as thick fog brought the fourth T20I between India and South Africa to a complete halt. Despite repeated efforts by match officials, poor visibility refused to improve, forcing the umpires to abandon the game late in the evening. Fans waited for hours at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, but the weather had the final say.
The abandoned match added to India’s troubles, as the team had already suffered a setback earlier in the day with Shubman Gill ruled out due to a foot injury. With no play possible, both teams now turn their focus to the series finale.
Fog Delays Toss, Inspections Continue for Hours
The toss for the 4th T20I was scheduled for 6:30 PM IST, but dense fog covered the ground well before the teams could step out. Umpires conducted multiple inspections as visibility remained poor under floodlights.
As the night progressed, conditions showed no real improvement. The final inspection took place at 9:25 PM, after which the officials decided that starting the match was not possible. Safety concerns for players and officials ultimately led to the game being called off.
The decision disappointed fans inside the stadium and viewers watching from home, many of whom expected at least a shortened contest.
BCCI Officials Step In as Fans React
The delay sparked confusion and frustration. Even senior officials stepped in to assess the situation. BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla was seen at the ground during one of the later inspections, speaking with the umpires as the fog continued to linger.
Social media quickly filled with reactions. Some fans questioned the scheduling of a December night match in Lucknow, while others accepted that weather conditions were beyond anyone’s control.
Shubman Gill Ruled Out Due to Foot Injury
India faced another blow before the toss drama unfolded. Shubman Gill was ruled out of the game due to a foot injury, dealing a setback to India’s batting plans.
Gill’s absence forced the team management to rethink combinations, especially at the top of the order. While the full extent of the injury remains unclear, his unavailability came at a crucial stage of the series.
India will now hope Gill recovers quickly as they prepare for upcoming international assignments.
Shivam Dube Backs Captain Suryakumar Yadav
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has faced pressure due to a lean run with the bat. However, teammate Shivam Dube came out strongly in support of his skipper ahead of the abandoned match.
“He is a fighter. Whether he is scoring runs or not, he remains the same. He always wants to do something for the team. He is an innovative and threatening player.”
Dube’s words reflected the dressing room’s confidence in Suryakumar, who remains one of India’s most dangerous T20 batters despite recent struggles.
South Africa Speaks on Team Competition
South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje also shared insights into the atmosphere within the Proteas camp. He highlighted the intense competition for places in the squad and said it was pushing players to perform better.
“There’s a lot of competition as well, which creates opportunity and also creates a little bit of pressure for guys in the team, which is good. It’s what you want. That’s something that’s built up over the last year or two, and it just puts guys under pressure, and a lot of guys have to fight for a spot, which is great.”
His comments underlined South Africa’s focus on building depth and maintaining high standards across formats.
Series Situation After 4th T20I Washout
India entered the fourth T20I with momentum, hoping to take a decisive step toward sealing the series. South Africa, meanwhile, aimed to level the contest and force a tense finish.
With the match abandoned, the series now moves to its final game with everything still at stake. The washed-out fixture denies both teams valuable game time but adds extra importance to the last encounter.
Why Fog Became the Deciding Factor
Winter conditions in northern India often bring fog, especially during night games. On Wednesday, visibility dropped sharply after sunset, making it difficult for players to track the ball even under floodlights.
Officials monitored conditions closely, but safety concerns made it impossible to proceed. Without clear sightlines, both batting and fielding would have been risky, leaving umpires with little choice but to abandon the match.
What’s Next for India and South Africa?
Both teams will now shift focus to the 5th and final T20I, which will decide the outcome of the series. India will look to regroup after the no-result and assess fitness concerns, including Shubman Gill’s injury.
South Africa, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on the fresh opportunity and push for a strong finish. With momentum, pride, and rankings on the line, the final match promises high intensity.