Sometimes, cricket’s biggest drama unfolds even when no cricket is played. That was the case in Lucknow where thick fog forced the fourth T20I between India and South Africa to be called off without a single ball being bowled. While fans were left disappointed, the abandoned match only added more intrigue to an already gripping five-game series, pushing everything toward a decisive final encounter.
As the dust settled, former India batter Robin Uthappa weighed in on how the series has shaped up so far. He felt South Africa have shown flashes of quality but haven’t always managed to sustain it. According to him, the visitors have been competitive and entertaining, especially with the ball, but their batting has lacked consistency at crucial moments. That uneven form, he suggested, has kept them from fully taking control despite playing some strong cricket.
Robin Uthappa also pointed out that South Africa would be desperate to bounce back in the final match. Having already proven their strength earlier on the tour, including a dominant showing in the longer format, the Proteas would want to end the T20I leg on a high. From their perspective, levelling the series would be about pride as much as performance, ensuring they return home with confidence intact.
India, on the other hand, have stayed ahead largely due to their ability to handle pressure better. Even when challenged, they have found ways to respond, thanks to their depth in both batting and bowling. That overall balance has allowed them to stay in control and puts them in a strong position heading into the decider.
Robin Uthappa also highlighted the importance of carefully managing Jasprit Bumrah. He stressed that fast bowlers carry an enormous physical load and someone like Bumrah, who bowls at high pace with an intense action, needs to be handled smartly. While his impact as a match-winner is undeniable, balancing rest and game time is key, especially with major tournaments coming up. The hope, he added, is that Bumrah continues to build rhythm and consistency at the right time.
With one match lost to the fog, the final T20I now carries all the weight. South Africa will be fighting to draw level, India will be eager to seal the series and fans can expect a thrilling finish to a contest that has already delivered plenty of talking points.
