 "Hardik Pandya wears mask as Lucknow smog delays India vs South Africa 4th T20I")
The fourth T20I between India and South Africa at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow has been hit by weather trouble, with the toss delayed due to smog in Lucknow. Officials have had to postpone the toss as visibility remains extremely low in the city.
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen wearing a mask while warming up ahead of the match as a precaution, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lucknow hovering around a hazardous 400. Such conditions are considered dangerous for outdoor sports.
Hardik Pandya wearing a mask during warm up. Match is delayed due to thick fog. pic.twitter.com/uP0OhozGlz
— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) December 17, 2025
Inspection at 7:30 PM
The umpires conducted the first inspection of the pitch at 6:50 PM, and communicated with South Africa coach Shukri Conrad, captain Aiden Markram, and Indian coach Gautam Gambhir. Another inspection has been scheduled at 7:30 PM as the situation remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to arrive at the Ekana Stadium to watch the fourth T20I between India and South Africa.
India are currently 2-1 ahead in the five-match series after winning the third T20I in Dharamsala. They will look to win the fourth match and seal the contest. Meanwhile, South Africa will be eager to bounce back and level the series, so they have something to fight for going to Ahmedabad for the fifth match.
India vs South Africa, 4th T20I: Predicted Playing XIs
India’s playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
South Africa’s playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman
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