India’s toss-losing streak hits one-in-a-million probability

India's unusual streak of bad luck at the toss showed no signs of ending. With South Africa captain Temba Bavuma choosing to bowl first in the second ODI in Raipur, India have now gone 20 consecutive ODIs without winning a toss -- the longest such run in men's international cricket.

The sequence dates back to the 2023 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, where India lost the toss to Australia. Since then, across bilateral series and multi-team tournaments, the coin has refused to fall in India's favour every single time.

In statistical terms, the probability of losing 20 tosses in a row is:1 in 1,048,576 or 0.00000095. But India have made that happen. 

The previous record for most consecutive toss losses belonged to the Netherlands, who endured an 11-match stretch between March 2011 and August 2013. India have nearly doubled that tally, establishing a new benchmark far beyond anything seen before.

India captain KL Rahul, speaking to the broadcaster right after the toss, jokingly said: "Honestly, toss is the most pressure I've had. Been practicing, but it's not working."

The Men in Blue will hope this bizarre pattern ends soon.