Captains with the Worst Toss Luck in Cricket

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Ah, the cricket toss. That ceremonial coin flip that seems so trivial yet can set the tone for an entire match. It’s a moment of pure dread for some captains as if the cricket gods have a vendetta against their tossing skills. Let’s dive into the world of captains who just couldn’t catch a break regarding the toss!

Rohit Sharma: The Toss Jinx Continues

Picture this: You’re Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, known for your batting prowess and strategic mind. Yet, every time you walk out for the toss, the coin seems to have a personal grudge against you. From November 2023 to March 2025, Rohit lost 11 consecutive tosses in ODIs. That’s right, 11 times in a row! It’s almost like the coin has been sneaking peeks at Rohit’s face and deciding, “Nah, not today.”

Despite this streak, Rohit has maintained his calm, leading the team with grace and determination. After all, what’s a little bad luck with the toss when you’ve got the skills to back it up on the field?

Brian Lara: A Record for the Ages

West Indies legend Brian Lara might be remembered for his record-breaking batting, but he also holds a rather unfortunate record. Between October 1998 and May 1999, Lara lost 12 consecutive tosses in ODIs. Yes, you heard that right—12! At this point, it’s almost like the coin had a built-in GPS to land against Lara’s call.

Yet, even with this tossing misfortune, Lara’s leadership and talent shone through, proving that a bad toss record doesn’t define a great captain.

Peter Borren: The Dutch Dilemma

Now, let’s talk about Peter Borren, the former captain of the Netherlands. Between March 2011 and August 2013, Borren lost 11 consecutive tosses in ODIs. Imagine standing there, flip after flip, watching the coin mock you as it lands against your call. It’s a wonder he didn’t just start carrying a lucky charm or two!

However, Borren’s resilience and leadership couldn’t be swayed by a pesky coin. He continued to guide his team with determination and heart.

Name	Consecutive tosses lost	From	To
Brian Lara	12	31 October 1998	21 May 1999
Peter Borren	11	18 March 2011	27 August 2013
Rohit Sharma	11*	19 November 2023	4 March 2025
Jos Buttler	9	27 January 2023	13 September 2023
Monank Patel	9	29 May 2022	13 August 2022
Eoin Morgan	9	22 January 2017	29 May 2017
Nasser Hussain	9	24 October 2000	22 January 2002

India’s Toss Drama

As if individual bad luck wasn’t enough, let’s talk about India’s team record. Starting from the 2023 ICC World Cup final in Ahmedabad, India lost 14 consecutive tosses in ODIs. It’s as if the entire team’s tossing karma took a nosedive. They surpassed the previous record held by the Netherlands, much to the dismay of Indian fans.

But here’s the thing: cricket is a game of skill, strategy, and sometimes a bit of luck. A toss may decide who bats or bowls first, but the talent and tenacity on the field truly counts.

In the grand scheme of cricket, the toss is just a coin flip, a moment of chance. Captains like Rohit Sharma, Brian Lara, and Peter Borren have shown that their leadership and skill can still lead to incredible performances even when luck isn’t on their side. So, the next time you see a captain lose a toss, remember—they might just be on their way to setting a record.