The comeback began at the toss.

Seven hours before a rampant Virat Kohli hit the winning runs in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, India celebrated as though they had already sealed the result. KL Rahul, the stand-in captain, punched the air in delight after winning the toss. India had gone 20 ODIs without the rub of the green at the flip of the coin — an improbable streak. Rahul even switched to his left hand for the flip.

IND v SA, 3rd ODI Updates | Scorecard

It was a significant moment in the series decider. Late evening dew had hurt India in the second ODI in Raipur, where they posted 358 and still finished on the losing side. This time, Rahul had no hesitation in bowling first, eager to make use of a dry ball for the first 50 overs of the contest.

India never looked back, dismantling S

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