After India lost to South Africa in the second ODI in Raipur, where the hosts failed to defend a massive total of 358, skipper KL Rahul admitted that the toss played a huge role and made a significant difference in conditions where dew heavily favours the chasing side.
India lost their 20th consecutive toss in ODIs, and South Africa elected to bowl first before sealing a four-wicket win with four balls to spare, levelling the series 1-1. The Men in Blue were asked to bat first for the second match in a row under Rahul's captaincy this series. While India managed a narrow 17-run victory in the opening ODI in Ranchi after posting 349, an even bigger target in Raipur proved insufficient this time.
India's imposing total was built on the back of centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. It was the 11th instance of Kohli scoring hundreds in consecutive ODIs, while Gaikwad registered his maiden century in the format. The duo put on a 195-run stand off just 156 balls for the third wicket.
