Was Ravi Shastri Unlucky for Indian Team in Hosting Coin Toss?

The India vs South Africa series is on the line, and the winner of this series will be decided in the 3rd match, which will take place at Visakhapatnam's ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium today. Currently, after two games in the ODI series, the series stands at 1-1; however, in both matches South Africa won the toss and looked more stronger side as well.

Toss is playing a big role in both the matches and will be crucial in the final ODI as well. India got a big boost as KL Rahul, India's skipper, won the toss, ending a streak of 20 consecutive losses that began back in 2023 during the ICC World Cup final against Australia.

KL Rahul Changed Indian Cricket Coin Toss Fortune: Ended 20 Losing Streak

During the toss time, when one of the best batsmen in India, KL Rahul, won the toss, he punched the air in delight as he broke the toss losing streak. After Rahul won the toss at Vizag, the crowd erupted in joy, and the Indian players joined in.

KL Rahul was seen having a chat with bowling coach Morne Morkel following the toss; other players also celebrated. Sanjay Bangar theorised that Rahul won the toss since he flipped the coin with his left hand, while Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh were observed cheering. While returning to the Indian camp, the Indian captain walked in Conor McGregor style to show off his good mood.

Meanwhile, after winning the toss, Rahul thanked Murali Karthik for his toss advice. "Yeah, I think you (Murali Kartik) should do more tosses. We are looking to bowl first. A little bit, we trained here last night. There was dew, but it didn't come as soon as it did at Ranchi or Raipur. I don't think it is going to play as much of a role as it did in the previous games. But yeah, we wanted to chase a total and see how we can bowl first," said Rahul.

The last time one of the best cricket teams in the world, India, won a coin flip was during the semi-final against New Zealand during the World Cup 2023. Dew has played a significant role in the series, and the toss has been a key component. KL Rahul chose to bowl first in the game without hesitation since it was anticipated that chasing would be simpler under the lights.

India Eyes Series Victory Over South Africa

The stakes are quite high because the series is tied at one all. Virat Kohli, who has been in spectacular form and has scored back-to-back centuries, will be the centre of attraction for this game, as he only plays one format, and this is the last ODI of this year.

For both teams, the third and final ODI of the three-match series is crucial since the winner will win the ODI trophy. India has made a single change to their starting lineup for the series finale. Washington Sundar, a spin-bowling all-rounder, is replaced by left-handed batsman Tilak Varma.

Sundar was employed for just three overs in Ranchi and four overs in Raipur after failing to make an impression with his batting in the previous two games.