In the ongoing ODI match against South Africa, India finally ended their long toss-losing streak in Vizag as KL Rahul won the toss and celebrated with visible relief.
India finally ended a rare and lengthy run of bad luck at the toss as KL Rahul won the toss ahead of the third ODI against South Africa in Visakhapatnam. India had lost 20 consecutive ODI tosses before this match. This streak stretched back to November 15, 2023, when they last won a toss against New Zealand in Mumbai.
Rahul’s relief was clear as he chose to field first, citing expected dew later in the evening. The skipper also joked that Murali Karthik should handle India’s tosses more often. To this, Karthik pointed out that he was also the presenter the last time India won a toss.
Watch the video here:
🚨 Toss 🚨#TeamIndia have won the toss and elected to field first.
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2025
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/HM6zm9o7bm#INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/vYNPSa1iKF
India made one change to their XI for the decider, while South Africa announced two alterations. For India, Tilak Varma replaces Washington Sunder. South Africa brought in Ryan Rickelton and Ottneil Baartman for Tony de Zorzi and Nandre Burger, both sidelined with hamstring injuries from the December 3 ODI.
READ ALSO | Abhishek Nayar Credits Rohit Sharma for India’s New Attacking White-Ball Identity
The series stands level after India won the opener by 17 runs and South Africa chased 359 to win the second match by four wickets. The ODI series will be followed by five T20Is to complete the all-format tour.
This article follows WicketWatcher’s editorial standards. Learn more in our Editorial Policy or report an issue via our Corrections Policy.