18 December,2025 02:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rajeev Shukla (Pic: File Pic)
The fourth T20I match between Team India and South Africa was abandoned due to excessive fog at the Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground in Lucknow.
Several fans expressed disappointment following the call-off, as they wanted to witness a thrilling clash between the "Men in Blue" and the Proteas.
Speaking about the abandonment of the clash, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla said that the management will need to look into the schedule of the matches. He also stated that the domestic matches are also being affected due to fog.
"The match had to be cancelled due to fog. The people were upset about it. We will need to review the scheduling of matches between 15 December to 15 January in north India to determine whether we need to shift them to south India or west India. Domestic matches are also being affected due to fog. It is a serious issue," he told ANI.
Notably, the window from December 15 to January 15 will witness domestic competition, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, a 50-over tournament, taking place from December 24 onwards to January 18, with Jaipur being one of the venues for the tournament.
However, the Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India is leading the five-match T20I series by 2-1 against the Proteas. The fifth and final clash is scheduled to be played on December 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19.
Ahead of the fifth and final clash, Team India's vice-captain, Shubman Gill, may miss out on the all-important match. According to several media reports, the right-hander has sustained a toe injury during the practice session. The 26-year-old cricketer is also struggling to find himself among the runs in the shortest format of the game.
In his absence, Team India's think tank may provide an opportunity to Sanju Samson. With Jitesh Sharma already playing as a wicketkeeper-batsman in the team, the question arises as to who will don the 'Big Gloves' if Samson features in the side for the series decider. The ongoing contest also serves as a preparatory series for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
(With ANI Inputs)
