IND vs SA T20I series 2025: 4th T20I Playing XI & Preview

With India holding a 2–1 lead after three completed games, the fourth T20I against South Africa carries clear series-defining weight rather than dead-rubber comfort. The series has swung sharply between extremes, with both sides producing dominant bowling performances and one decisive batting display from South Africa. India’s emphatic wins in the first and third matches exposed South Africa’s vulnerability against quality pace and spin, while the second T20I underlined India’s susceptibility when early wickets fall. As the action shifts to Lucknow, India have an opportunity to seal the series, while South Africa face a must-win scenario to stay alive. Momentum currently favours the hosts, but the margin for complacency is minimal.

What is the Context of the Match?

The context of the fourth T20I is shaped by volatility rather than consistency. India’s campaign has been built on bowling dominance, dismissing South Africa cheaply in two of the three matches, while South Africa’s lone win came through a batting-led surge anchored by Quinton de Kock. India’s ability to bounce back immediately after that loss in Dharamsala restored control of the series and reinforced their tactical clarity. For South Africa, the challenge is to produce a complete performance under pressure, not just isolated brilliance. With the series at 2–1, India are positioned to close it out, while South Africa must win to force a decider and regain momentum.

India’s Probable XI for the 4th T20I vs South Africa

Abhishek Sharma: Abhishek responded strongly in the third T20I with a quickfire 35 after two failures, reaffirming India’s faith in his attacking intent. His powerplay approach remains high risk but capable of shifting momentum instantly. He has scored 1081 runs in 32 T20Is, including two hundreds and six fifties, at a strike rate close to 190.

Shubman Gill: Gill managed a run-a-ball 28 in the previous match and will be keen to build a more substantial innings. His role is to provide stability while handling early movement. He has featured in 36 T20Is, scoring 869 runs with one hundred and three fifties.

Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): Suryakumar is going through a lean patch and needs a defining knock to rediscover rhythm. Despite recent struggles, his ability to control the middle overs remains central to India’s plans. He has amassed 2783 runs in 98 T20Is with four hundreds and 21 fifties.

Tilak Varma: Tilak continues to impress with his composure and shot selection under pressure. His ability to bat deep while maintaining intent adds balance to India’s middle order. He has established himself as a reliable option in crunch situations.

Hardik Pandya: Hardik’s value lies in his dual role and leadership presence during key phases of the game. He recently completed 100 T20I wickets, underlining his impact with the ball. He has scored 1939 runs in 123 T20Is at a strike rate of 142, along with six fifties.

Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper): Jitesh has emerged as one of India’s most promising wicketkeeper-batters with his fearless approach. His finishing ability and quick scoring rate add depth to the lower middle order. He has scored 162 runs in 15 T20Is at a strike rate of 160.

Shivam Dube: Dube provides left-handed power and a useful seam bowling option, strengthening India’s all-round depth. His role is to attack spin and contribute medium pace overs when required. He has scored 629 runs in 49 T20Is with four fifties and taken 23 wickets.

Harshit Rana: Rana was the standout performer in the previous match, dismantling the top order with an aggressive opening spell. His ability to hit hard lengths adds bite to India’s pace attack. He has taken seven wickets in just six T20Is so far.

Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep continues to be India’s primary wicket-taking spinner in the middle overs. His control and variation restrict scoring while forcing mistakes. He has picked up 90 wickets in 50 T20Is and claimed two wickets in the previous match.

Varun Chakraborty: Varun is in outstanding form and recently completed 50 T20I wickets, becoming the second fastest Indian to reach the milestone. His mystery spin is particularly effective once the pitch slows. He has taken 50 wickets in 32 T20Is.

Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep remains India’s most reliable left-arm pacer in both the powerplay and death overs. His ability to swing the new ball and execute yorkers under pressure is crucial. He has taken 109 wickets in 71 T20Is.

South Africa’s Probable XI for the 4th T20I vs India

Reeza Hendricks: Hendricks suffered a duck in the previous match but is expected to be backed for his experience at the top. His role remains to absorb early pressure and provide stability in the powerplay. He has played 89 T20Is, scoring 2491 runs with one hundred and seven fifties.

Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper): De Kock fell early in the last game, but his importance to South Africa’s batting remains undiminished. His aggressive starts are key to setting the tempo and easing pressure on the middle order. He has scored 2706 runs in 99 T20Is with one hundred and 17 fifties.

Aiden Markram (Captain): Markram was South Africa’s lone fighter in the previous match, scoring a composed 61 when wickets fell around him. His leadership and ability to anchor under pressure are vital to the side’s stability. He has amassed 1571 runs in 65 T20Is with ten fifties at a strike rate of 146.

Dewald Brevis: Brevis is under pressure after another low score, putting his place in the XI under scrutiny. Despite recent failures, his explosiveness keeps him in contention as a game-changer. He has scored 439 runs in 18 T20Is at a strike rate of 180, including one hundred and one fifty.

David Miller: Miller is expected to return to the side after being dropped in the previous match. His experience and finishing ability add reliability in the death overs. He has featured in 132 T20Is, scoring 2612 runs with two hundreds and eight fifties at a strike rate of 141.

Donovan Ferreira: Ferreira continues to provide valuable late-order runs and flexibility as an all-round option. His ability to score quickly at the death strengthens South Africa’s lower middle order. He has scored 240 runs in 15 T20Is at a strike rate of 160 and taken two wickets.

Marco Jansen: Jansen brings bounce and movement with the new ball and contributes useful runs down the order. His skill set becomes even more effective in seam-friendly conditions. He has scored 181 runs and taken 21 wickets in 22 T20Is.

Corbin Bosch: Bosch adds pace bowling depth and athleticism to the XI. His recent numbers highlight his wicket-taking ability despite limited opportunities. He has taken 18 wickets and scored 89 runs in 12 T20Is.

George Linde: Linde is likely to be brought back to balance the attack with his left-arm spin. His control in the middle overs and batting depth offer tactical flexibility. He has played 26 T20Is, taking 27 wickets and scoring at a strike rate of 146.

Lungi Ngidi: Ngidi remains a key strike bowler capable of operating in both the powerplay and at the death. His ability to hit hard lengths makes him effective on responsive surfaces. He has taken 77 wickets in 55 T20Is.

Ottniel Baartman: Baartman will again be expected to lead the pace attack after his recent impactful performances. His accuracy and pace have made him a consistent wicket-taking option. He has picked up 21 wickets in 16 T20Is.

Top Batters for Dream11

Abhishek Sharma remains a high upside fantasy pick despite an inconsistent series. His aggressive approach in the powerplay allows him to maximise boundary count and strike rate bonuses, making him valuable even in short cameos. On a slower Ekana surface, his willingness to take risks early can separate him from safer but slower options. Aiden Markram, on the other hand, offers stability and composure under pressure. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate once set suits tricky batting conditions. Markram’s role as an anchor increases the probability of a meaningful score, making him a dependable Dream11 batting choice alongside Abhishek’s explosiveness.

Best All Rounders to Boost Points

Hardik Pandya continues to be one of the most reliable all-round fantasy picks due to his involvement in key phases of the game. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball ensures multiple scoring avenues, even if one discipline underperforms. Corbin Bosch is a value differential who offers wicket-taking potential with the ball and handy lower-order runs. On slower surfaces, his cutters and variations can be effective, increasing his fantasy impact. Both players operate in roles that guarantee consistent engagement, making them strong picks for boosting points through a balanced all-round contribution rather than relying on a single standout performance.

Bowlers to Watch in Dream11

Varun Chakravarthy is a prime Dream11 pick at Ekana Stadium, where slower surfaces amplify the effectiveness of his variations. His ability to deceive batters in the middle overs often results in wickets rather than just containment. George Linde complements this threat with his left-arm spin, offering control and subtle changes of pace that suit Lucknow’s conditions. The Ekana pitch rewards bowlers who rely on accuracy and flight rather than pace alone. Both Varun and Linde are wicket-focused options whose styles align perfectly with the venue, making them reliable fantasy picks even if run scoring becomes difficult.

Captain and Vice Captain Picks

Suryakumar Yadav and Donovan Ferreira are bold fantasy captaincy options due to their explosive scoring potential. SKY’s ability to dominate once set can rapidly accumulate points, while Ferreira’s finishing role allows him to capitalise late in the innings. For safer choices, Varun Chakravarthy and Hardik Pandya stand out. Varun’s consistency in taking middle over wickets suits Ekana conditions, while Hardik’s dual role guarantees steady involvement. Pairing a safe option with a bold pick allows Dream11 users to balance risk and reward, protecting against failure while still leaving room for high-impact returns.

Pitch Report and Venue Conditions

The Ekana Cricket Stadium’s B Ground in Lucknow traditionally favours bowlers, particularly spinners, due to its black soil surface and low bounce. Seamers can extract movement early, while spinners dominate the middle overs as the pitch slows down. Average first innings scores in T20s range between 165 and 180, indicating competitive but challenging batting conditions. Boundary dimensions vary between 69 and 81 meters, offering a balanced contest. Teams batting first have won close to 60 percent of matches here. With clear weather and dew likely later in the evening, chasing sides may gain a slight advantage.

Match Prediction: Who Has the Upper Hand

India enter the contest with a slight upper hand due to superior bowling depth and better adaptation to slower conditions. South Africa will need a strong top-order response to stay competitive.

FAQs about IND vs SA Playing 11

Who are the key players in the IND vs SA clash?

Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya are crucial for India, while Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock remain South Africa’s key match winners.

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