Skipper KL Rahul finally broke the jinx as India won their first toss in 21 games during the ongoing third and final ODI against South Africa. The match is being played on Saturday, December 6 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
Rahul tossed the coin with his left hand and was visibly delighted after ending the long streak, while the crowd erupted, marking India’s first toss win since the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final against New Zealand on November 15.
As India won a toss in ODI cricket after more than two years and 20 matches, we take a look at five players who made their debut in the format during this span.
#1 Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan made his ODI debut in the three-match away series against South Africa on December 17, 2023, at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The southpaw enjoyed a solid outing, remaining unbeaten on 55 off 43 balls, including nine fours, as India won the game by eight wickets while chasing 117.
Since then, the Tamil Nadu cricketer has featured in three ODIs, scoring 127 runs at an average of 63.50 and a strike rate of 89.43, including two fifties.
#2 Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal made his ODI debut earlier this year against England on February 6 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur. While India won the game by four wickets chasing 249, Jaiswal could only manage 15 off 22 balls.
Overall, he has scored 55 runs in three innings at an average of 18.33 and a strike rate of 72.36. The ongoing third ODI against South Africa marks his fourth appearance in the format.
#3 Riyan Parag
Next on the list is Assam all-rounder Riyan Parag. His debut and only appearance in the format so far came against Sri Lanka on August 7, 2024, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Parag contributed with figures of 3/54 in nine overs and scored 15 off 13 balls with the bat. However, his efforts went in vain as India lost the match by 110 runs while chasing 249.
#4 Rinku Singh
Uttar Pradesh batter Rinku Singh made his ODI debut against South Africa on December 19 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha. The southpaw could not make a big impact, scoring just 17 off 14 balls as South Africa won the match by eight wickets while chasing 212.
Overall, he has featured in two ODIs, scoring 55 runs at an average of 27.50 with a strike rate of 134.14, and a top score of 38.
#5 Rajat Patidar
The last player on the list is Rajat Patidar, who also made his debut during the 2023 South Africa series. He featured in the final game of the series on December 21 at Boland Park, Paarl. Opening the batting, Patidar scored 22 off 16 balls, hitting three fours and one six, as India posted 296/8 in their 50 overs.
In response, the Proteas were bowled out for 218, giving the Men in Blue a 78-run victory. This remains Patidar’s only appearance in ODIs, although he has also featured in three Tests for India.
Edited by Dev Sharma
