India vs South Africa Live: Fog Causes Third Toss Delay
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Persistent fog in India has caused a third delay in the toss for the T20I match against South Africa. Shubman Gill is out with a toe injury.
The toss for the India vs. South Africa T20I match has been delayed for the third time due to thick fog. Ground staff are actively working on the field, using a light roller, to ensure it's ready should conditions improve. Dew is also falling, and the staff is trying to keep the pitch dry.
The next inspection is scheduled for 8:00 PM IST. The match will be shortened if it begins at all. Umpires conducted a second inspection at 7:30 PM IST but returned with no positive news.
Commentator Dale Steyn, who was at a mall on Tuesday evening, reported visibility was limited to 20 meters. TV visuals show the presenters – Steyn, Robin Uthappa, and Mayanti Langer – clearly, but the pavilion behind them is obscured. Aakash Chopra suggested implementing rules to address such foggy conditions, questioning why matches are scheduled in cities prone to winter fog, noting the previous T20I in Dharamsala proceeded without interruption.
The umpires are assessing visibility on the field, with one near the pitch and another at the boundary.
In team news, Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the remaining two T20I games due to a toe injury sustained during training, according to PTI sources. Sanju Samson is likely to replace him as an opener. All measures are being taken to ensure Gill's swift recovery.
Steyn commented on the poor conditions, recalling that he could not see beyond 20 meters the previous evening at 8 PM. He described the current conditions as unique and noted the outfielders' desire to delay the toss, hoping for improvement.
Deep Dasgupta and Pommy Mbwanga provided a pitch report, noting the cold temperature and moisture, which could aid pacers and lead to a low-scoring match. Dasgupta predicted lateral movement for the pacers, while Mbwanga noted the pitch hadn't been watered due to the cold. Lalith Kalidas pointed out this is Ekana's first December game, potentially causing visibility issues for fans.
India's batting approach has become more conservative since Sanju Samson's exit from the playing XI, now aiming for totals around 180-200 instead of more aggressive scores. Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav have been struggling with their form.
