Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan masterfully bowled South Africa into a downfall, enabling KL Rahul's Team India to clinch a resounding eight-wicket victory in the opening ODI at Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium. This triumph propelled India to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
In dire straits, South Africa collapsed to a mere 116 all-out in 27.3 overs—an unprecedented low in their ODI history on home soil. India efficiently chased down the target in just 16.4 overs. Debutante Sai Sudharsan showcased his prowess, finishing unbeaten on 55, while Tilak Varma remained resolute at the crease with an unbeaten score of one.
With regular skipper Rohit Sharma opting for a break from the white-ball segment of the South Africa tour, Rahul assumed the ODI captaincy. Rahul's leadership tenure kicked off on a high note as India effortlessly chased South Africa's 117-run target with an impressive 200 balls to spare. Notably, Rahul surpassed the iconic MS Dhoni in a pivotal captaincy record.
This series opener's commanding victory propelled India to a 1-0 lead, marking Rahul's 10th consecutive win as the captain in international cricket. In reaching this milestone, Rahul surpassed MS Dhoni's nine consecutive victories for India as captain across formats.
He now joins Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in an elite list. Rahul's 10th ODI as captain of the Indian men's cricket team, with seven wins under his belt, took place at the Wanderers. Rahul is one of the six players who have captained India across all three formats.
Rahul, based in Karnataka, has now become the third Indian captain, following in the footsteps of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, to secure ten or more consecutive international victories. Rohit Sharma achieved this feat thrice, recording ten or more consecutive wins between 2019 and 2022 and 12 consecutive wins in 2018. Virat Kohli accomplished it once during his captaincy tenure for Team India.
From 2019 to 2022, Rohit Sharma achieved an exceptional winning streak with 19 consecutive victories. In 2018, when he wasn't the regular captain, he secured 12 consecutive wins. KL Rahul's leadership has ushered in a remarkable era of success for Team India, solidifying his status as a captain capable of steering the team to prolonged dominance.
1. Rohit Sharma - 19 matches (2019/22)
Before assuming the role of the full-time all-format captain, Rohit Sharma would get opportunities when Virat Kohli took a break or when selectors decided to rest him. As the second most senior member of the team, Rohit was consistently the preferred option. His track record as the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) further worked in his favour. Rohit holds the top spot on the list with a 19-match unbeaten streak spanning from 2019 to 2022.
2. Rohit Sharma - 12 matches (2018)
Once again, Rohit secures a spot in this prestigious list. In 2018, the Hitman adeptly stepped into his shoes when the then all-format captain Kohli took regular breaks. Under Rohit’s captaincy, the Men in Blue triumphed in 12 consecutive games, including the all-important Asia Cup held in the UAE. In that year, Rohit once again demonstrated why he is highly regarded as a leader.
3. Virat Kohli - 12 matches (2017)
In 2017, the then all-time all-format captain Virat Kohli won 12 matches in a row, breaking MS Dhoni’s record and setting a new one before Rohit Sharma equaled and then surpassed it. In January 2017, Dhoni surprised the world by stepping down as captain, and Kohli took over before the start of the ODI series against England. It was a memorable year for Kohli as he shattered many records.
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4. Rohit Sharma - 10 matches (2023)
Once again, Rohit Sharma features in this list for the third time, but this time as the 'full-time all-format captain' of the team. This streak occurred during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. While leading the team for the first time in the ODI World Cup, Rohit guided his team to a 10-match unbeaten streak. The Men in Blue had a golden run, which Australia halted in the final. It could’ve been an 11-match unbeaten streak and a World Cup victory if not for Travis Head, who shattered the record and the hopes of the billions of Indian fans.
5. KL Rahul - 10 matches (2022/23)*
Joining the list, KL Rahul surpassed MS Dhoni’s nine-match unbeaten streak in international cricket, achieved in the year 2013. Currently on a 10-match unbeaten streak, Rahul aims to exceed Rohit’s tally of 10 wins this year, advancing to the fourth position when his team faces South Africa at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on November 19.
Conclusion
In the realm of Indian cricket, the legacy of remarkable captains shines through. From MS Dhoni to the current era led by Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, their consecutive victories testify to their leadership prowess. Celebrate the cricketing milestones with real-time updates on the Cricket Live Line app and website. Stay ahead with live scores, analysis, and insights. Experience cricket like a true live line guru with the most comprehensive cricket live line platform. Cheers to the legends and the thrilling journey of cricket live on Fast Live Line!
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