India captain KL Rahul erupted in pure joy with a massive fist pump after finally winning the toss in the decisive third ODI against South Africa at Visakhapatnam on Saturday, shattering the nation’s unbelievable 20-match ODI toss drought. The streak, with odds of roughly 1-in-1-million, began after Rohit Sharma lost to Pat Cummins in the 2023 World Cup final and haunted multiple captains. A viral video of Rahul’s priceless reaction has exploded across social media, capturing national relief.

Rahul opted to bowl first, citing training feedback: “We trained here last night… dew didn’t come as early as Ranchi and Raipur. Planning to bowl second… doesn’t play such big part. Just want to change the total and bowl first. Good wicket.”

Rahul’s Post-Toss Optimism Amid 1-1 Series Tie

With the series locked 1-1 after Ranchi’s 17-run India win and Raipur’s dew-soaked 4-wicket SA chase (despite India’s 358/5 via Kohli’s 102, Gaikwad’s 105), Rahul backed the team’s process: “Really happy with how we played last two games… 360 chased looks bad outside, but considering conditions and lineups, we did well. Positives in bowling and batting… stay consistent, results follow. Sharpen fielding.”

India tweaked XI: Tilak Varma in for Washington Sundar, signaling middle-order reinforcement.

The 20-Toss Curse: Stats And Context

Streak Length: 20 consecutive losses (2023 WC final origin).

Captains Affected: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill.

Probability: ~0.0000954 (1-in-1,048,576).

Rahul’s Prep: Practiced coin flips pre-Raipur.

Raipur’s toss loss amplified dew woes; Visakhapatnam offered hope. Live updates show Rahul’s energy setting positive tone for series decider.

India eyes 2-1 series win; SA, led by Markram’s Raipur ton, fights back. Kohli (back-to-back tons) looms large.