The fourth T20I match of the five-match series between India and South Africa will be played in Lucknow, and the contest is crucial for both teams. Team India currently leads the series 2-1. A win in Lucknow will help India seal the series, while a South Africa victory will level it at 2-2, setting up a thrilling decider.

Both teams are preparing intensely, but all eyes are on Team India’s playing XI, especially the spin combination.

Team India’s ‘lucky spin pair’

India is likely to continue with its successful spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy in Lucknow. This pair has turned out to be extremely effective for Team India.

• Kuldeep and Varun have played 8 T20I matches together in 2025

• India has won 7 of those 8 matches

• The duo featured in the third T20I at Dharamsala, which India won to take a 2-1 series lead

Given their impressive record, the Indian team management is expected to retain both spinners for the Lucknow clash.

India’s unbeaten record in Lucknow

Team India has an excellent record at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow.

• India has played 3 T20Is here so far

• Won all 3 matches

• Kuldeep Yadav played in 2 of those games and picked up wickets

• If selected, Varun Chakravarthy will be playing his first T20I in Lucknow

India will be aiming to protect its 100% winning record at this venue.

Probable Playing XI

India:
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy

South Africa:
Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (Captain), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi

What’s at stake

• If India wins:

  • Series victory in Lucknow

  • 14th consecutive T20I series win for Team India

• If South Africa loses:

  • It will be their 19th defeat in 29 T20I matches