Stand-in captain KL Rahul finally put an end to India's remarkable run of toss misfortune, breaking a long-standing jinx with a fresh approach during the third and final One Day International against South Africa. The crucial moment unfolded at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
The End of a Long Streak
In a stunning turn of events, KL Rahul called correctly at the toss, marking a significant victory for the Indian team even before a ball was bowled. This success came on the 21st attempt, finally halting a frustrating sequence where Indian captains had consistently lost the toss. Upon winning, Rahul made the strategic decision to field first, asking the Proteas to set a target on the Vizag pitch.
A Viral Moment and Rahul's New Trick
The breakthrough moment was captured in a video that quickly spread across social media platforms. The clip shows Rahul employing a new technique or ritual before the coin flip, the specifics of which delighted fans and teammates alike. The most candid reaction came from young pacer Harshit Rana, whose unfiltered and joyous response to the win became an instant viral sensation. His genuine surprise and celebration perfectly encapsulated the relief felt by the entire squad after the prolonged drought.
Team Line-ups for the Decisive Clash
With the series on the line, both teams fielded strong playing elevens for the Visakhapatnam decider. The Indian team, led by Rahul, featured a blend of experience and youth.
India's Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (wicket-keeper/captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna.
South Africa's Playing XI: Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman.
Implications and Looking Ahead
Breaking the toss jinx provided India with an immediate psychological boost and the valuable advantage of choosing to chase under the lights. The incident highlights how small victories can impact team morale in high-stakes cricket. While the toss is just one factor, Rahul's successful call and his novel method will be remembered as a quirky yet pivotal moment in the series, offering fans a memorable story beyond the runs and wickets.
