NEW DELHI: In an almost surreal twist of fate, India lost yet another toss – their 15th in a row in ODIs – in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
Captain Mitchell Santner called correctly and chose to bat first in Dubai, sparking a fresh wave of memes and disbelief across the internet.
Rohit Sharma, who has now personally lost 12 straight tosses, matched Brian Lara’s infamous record, though India as a team have surpassed it with this unprecedented streak.
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Social media lit up immediately with never-seen-before reactions, backed by funny memes after the toss result was announced.
Despite the coin flip curse, India enter the final as the tournament’s only unbeaten team, having convincingly beaten Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Australia.
All of India’s matches were held in Dubai, after political tensions led to their decision not to travel to Pakistan – the original host of the tournament.
New Zealand’s path to the final was more globe-trotting, playing group matches in Karachi and Rawalpindi before flying to Dubai to face India in their final group game.
After a brief return to Pakistan for the semifinal in Lahore, they’re back in the Emirates for the big showdown.
Historically, both sides have tasted Champions Trophy glory. India’s last title came in 2013, while New Zealand lifted their only major ICC limited-overs trophy in 2000 – beating India in that very final.
Follow Live: India vs New Zealand, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final
On Sunday, India chose to continue with a winning combination, once again banking on spin in the dry Dubai conditions.
New Zealand, however, suffered a blow with pacer Matt Henry ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Nathan Smith steps in as a replacement.
