IND vs SA: Team India look to keep indomitable run alive as fog in Lucknow leads to series decider in Ahmedabad

The last time India tasted defeat in a T20I series was 860 days ago, in August 2023 against the West Indies in the Caribbean, when they lost the five-match series 3-2. Since then, the Men in Blue have played 10 bilaterals, winning nine, whereas a three-match series in South Africa in December 2023 ended in a 1-1 draw after the first T20I got washed out due to rain.'

During this period, they secured the Asian Games gold, clinched the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, and successfully defended their Asia Cup crown. Since January 2024, Team India have not been denied a win in a T20I series.

Therefore, the Men in Blue have a streak to defend as they gear up to face the Proteas in the series decider of the ongoing five-match contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on December 19.

India's invincible run in T20Is since January 2024:

India were the favourites heading into the 4th T20I in Lucknow, but the match was abandoned due to excessive fog, and therefore, the pressure would be on them to claim the series decider. There is an element of doubt surrounding Shubman Gill as several reports have emerged that he is nursing a foot injury. Notably, India have won five out of the seven T20Is they have played at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

However, the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who had missed the game in Dharamsala due to personal reasons, has bolstered India's pace attack. It will be interesting to see if the Indian team management allows Sanju Samson to make a case for himself ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.