Rohit Sharma’s Streak Continues – A Record He Never Wanted!

Dubai(The Uttam Hindu): India's captain Rohit Sharma equaled an unwanted record of losing 12 consecutive tosses in ODI cricket during the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. With his 12th consecutive toss loss, Rohit matched West Indies legend Brian Lara, who endured a similar streak between October 1998 and May 1999. Another name on this list is the Netherlands’ Peter Borren, who lost 11 tosses between March 2011 and August 2013.

Overall, this marks India’s 15th consecutive toss loss. Rohit's losing streak began in the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad, where India suffered a defeat. As for the match, New Zealand is playing the 2025 Champions Trophy final without their pace bowler Matt Henry, as they won the toss and opted to bat first. Henry is the highest wicket-taker in the ongoing tournament, with 10 wickets, including a 5-42 spell against India in a Group A game in Dubai. However, he injured his right shoulder while taking a catch of Heinrich Klaasen during New Zealand’s 50-run semi-final victory over South Africa in Lahore. Henry later failed a fitness test before the final, leading New Zealand to replace him with right-arm pacer Nathan Smith.

India is aiming for its third Champions Trophy title, while New Zealand is looking for its second, having last won in 2000. So far, India has remained unbeaten in the tournament, while New Zealand’s only defeat came against India on March 2 in Dubai.