India lose yet another toss, set unique record in ODIs
What's the story
India's cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, set an unfortunate record in ODIs without bowling a ball, in their Champions Trophy game against arch-rivals Pakistan.
The match is currently ongoing at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
India lost their 12th toss consecutively in ODIs, setting a unique and 'unwanted' record.
Meanwhile, this game is especially important for Pakistan as they are on the verge of elimination after a disappointing loss to New Zealand in their opening match.
Toss troubles
India's toss woes continue in ODIs
As mentioned, the unfortunate record was established even before a single ball was bowled, as Rohit lost the toss.
Pakistan skipper subsequently elected to bat.
This was the 12th consecutive time an Indian captain has lost the toss in ODIs.
Before this match, India had equaled the Netherlands's record of losing 11 consecutive tosses, which was the highest by any team in ODI history.
With this, India now own the unfortunate record.
Toss drought
India's toss luck runs dry since 2023 World Cup final
The Indian cricket team have not won a toss in ODIs since the 2023 World Cup final against Australia.
Following that match, they played three-match bilateral series against South Africa, Sri Lanka, and England, but luck at the toss has continued to evade them.
In India's CT opener against Bangladesh, the Tigers' skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss.
The streak of bad luck continued into their latest match against Pakistan, where they lost the toss once again.
Playing XI
Here are the playing XIs
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, and Kuldeep Yadav.
Pakistan (Playing XI): Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicket-keeper), Salman Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed.