Bizarre! Team Indias loses 18 consecutive tosses in ODIs
What's the story
The Indian cricket team has set an unwanted record by losing 18 consecutive tosses in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The streak continued when Shubman Gill, the new captain of the team, lost the toss against Australia in the third and final game in Sydney. This is his first series as ODI captain. Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that has historically favored teams at this venue. Here are further details.
Captaincy hurdles
Toss troubles for Gill
Gill's first series as India's ODI captain has been marred by three toss losses and a series defeat. The team lost the first two ODIs in Perth and Adelaide, sealing their fate in the series. This streak began on November 19, 2023, during the World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where Australia skipper Pat Cummins won the toss against Rohit Sharma. The Aussies had famously ended India's unbeaten run in the tourney to lift the trophy.
Resilience
India's resilient response
Despite the toss-losing streak, India have shown resilience in the 50-over format in recent years. The team has won 10 of the last 17 ODIs where they lost the toss. This trend highlights their focus on performance over luck in matches. In fact, the team was on an eight-match winning streak in ODIs before the start of the ongoing series.
Series goal
India aim to avoid series whitewash
Having already lost the first two ODIs, India is now playing for pride in the third ODI. The team is hoping to avoid a series whitewash, something they have only faced in five three-match (or longer) ODI series in history. The match will be crucial for India's veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and the new captain Gill as they look to end on a high note.