India’s luck has finally turned. After an unprecedented streak of 20 consecutive toss losses, KL Rahul broke the pattern in Visakhapatnam, winning the toss and opting to bowl first in the series-deciding third ODI against South Africa.

Rahul couldn’t hide his relief and even made the fans realise that the team was just happy to win a toss after the 2023 World Cup, a moment that drew smiles in the Indian camp. For a side that has been on the wrong end of nearly every coin flip in recent months, today’s win felt symbolic as well as strategic.

South Africa, meanwhile, face enforced changes with Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi ruled out due to hamstring injuries. Their batting looked strong in Raipur, with Breetzke, Jansen, Bosch, and captain Markram contributing across the board, but the loss of two key players leaves a dent ahead of the decider.

India enter the match with momentum built on two brilliant centuries from Virat Kohli, consistent fifties from KL Rahul, and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s perfectly timed maiden ODI hundred in the second match. However, concerns remain with Jaiswal’s missed opportunities, Washington’s quiet outings, and Prasidh Krishna’s expensive spells. Kuldeep Yadav stood out with 5 wickets despite difficult conditions.

With no additional frontline bowlers in the squad, India are expected to go unchanged as they chase a series win.

After the high-scoring affairs in Ranchi and Raipur, Visakhapatnam promises another run-heavy thriller in what is now a high-pressure finale for both teams.

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