Arjit Kumar - Saturday, Dec 06, 2025IND vs SA 3rd ODI: Ahead of the decider of the three-match ODI series between India and South Africa, Team India finally broke a major 'unlucky' record. After losing 20 consecutive ODI tosses, stand-in captain KL Rahul won the toss in the third and final match and, without hesitation, decided to bowl first.
This streak, which had been going on for the last two years and had surprised even Team India fans, ended today in Visakhapatnam. Winning the toss brought a huge smile and relief on Rahul's face, as losing the toss in the previous two matches had forced him to bowl in heavy dew, which had clearly affected the team's performance.
To break his streak of losing 20 tosses, captain KL Rahul tried a unique trick today and after tossing with his right hand till the second ODI, he finally won the toss by tossing with his left hand in the decisive match!
After winning the toss, KL Rahul said:
"We're going to bowl first. We trained here last night; there was dew, and it didn't come as quickly as in Ranchi and Raipur. We want to chase a total and see how we can bowl first. It looks like a good wicket. We're really happy with how we've played in the last two games. Considering the conditions, we've performed well, and there are many positives. We're not making many changes. One change: Tilak Varma comes in for Washington Sundar."
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma also wanted to bowl first, but he expressed happiness that his top order got off to a good start. will give.
After winning the toss, Bavuma said:
Bavuma: "We also wanted to bowl first. A good start will set things up for our middle order. It's been entertaining. The crowd is out. Hopefully, it'll be another exciting match today. Two changes."
In the last two matches, dew had made bowling extremely difficult in the second innings, greatly aiding the chasing team. This is why both captains wanted to bowl first. This decision by KL Rahul gives Team India the 'toss advantage' they need to win the series.
Having overcome this 'toss jinx,' all eyes are now on whether the Indian team can capitalize on this crucial advantage and win the series.
