"I lost 11 out of 13 tosses I guess" - Star batter's huge take on Team India’s rotten luck with the toss after IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI

Star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad gave a huge take on Team India's poor luck with the toss after the second ODI against South Africa on Wednesday, December 3. The Men in Blue lost by four wickets as the Proteas levelled the series 1-1.

Skipper KL Rahul lost the toss once again, having lost in the first ODI as well. India's unwanted streak of losing tosses continued as it was the 20th consecutive toss that they lost in ODIs.

However, Ruturaj Gaikwad reckoned that it was something out of their control. He recalled having lost several tosses himself while captaining the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL.

"When I myself captained in the IPL, I lost 11 out of 13 tosses I guess. When it was the right time in that last match against RCB, there was moisture in the pitch and it had also rained. I won the toss, but we lost the game. So it is not a controllable factor," he said. (via BCCI)

Looking at it positively, the star batter reflected that losing tosses in bilateral series challenged them as a team and allowed scope for improvement. India's unwanted streak began with the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.

"The good thing is it is not happening in big tournaments. In fact, it is good that in bilaterals we are being challenged as a team. We can improve a lot from this," he added.

The final ODI will be played in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, December 6.

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Ruturak Gaikwad reflects on India's performance in the second ODI

India failed to defend a total of 358 in the second ODI as South Africa chased the target down in 49.2 overs. The bowlers struggled to keep things under control and were unable to create constant pressure. Barring Arshdeep Singh and Ravindra Jadeja, all the other bowlers proved to be expensive.

Ruturaj Gaikwad reckoned that India bowled well in phases. However, he felt that the dew factor made it difficult for the bowlers later on. He also credited South Africa for their brilliant run chase.

"I feel in phases we bowled well. The first 10-15 overs we bowled well. But after that there was a huge amount of dew and the spinners were slightly out of the game. A lot of credit goes to the South African batters, they batted well," he said.

It appeared that the hosts fell slightly short with their total. Gaikwad reflected that scoring 350-odd runs batting first on that pitch was tough, as there was moisture initially and the wicket slowed down later on. He added that it was not feasible to plan on scoring close to 400 runs and that they had to take it phase by phase.

"I think scoring 350 batting first is also difficult. First 10 overs there was moisture and the ball was not coming onto the bat nicely. Later, the wicket slows down a bit, so it's not as easy to hit also. I feel we scored 10 runs more from the last game and we cannot decide and make more improvement than this. We will think of 380-400, but the opposition also has good bowlers. That cannot be the plan. We have to go phase by phase and play accordingly."

Gaikwad scored his maiden ODI hundred, making 105 off 83 balls. Virat Kohli struck his second consecutive ton, scoring 102 off 93 balls. KL Rahul also slammed a quickfire unbeaten 66 off 43 balls.