NEW DELHI: Team India finds themselves in unfamiliar territory, with their home dominance on the verge of another low as they take on South Africa in the third and final ODI of the series in Vizag on Saturday.
Having already suffered two home Test whitewashes in the past year - against New Zealand and South Africa - India are on the brink of a rare and unthinkable setback. With the three-match ODI series currently tied 1-1, any missteps in the final game could see them lose the series.
Series on the line: India seek another 'Ro-Ko' masterclass in third ODI against South Africa
In this context, back-to-back series defeats would be a major blow for Team India, especially amid perceptions that the dressing room is pulling in different directions.
Considering South Africa's current form, it will be an uphill task for India to halt their juggernaut. The Proteas successfully chased down a massive 359 in the second ODI and came close in the first ODI, falling short by just 17 runs while chasing 350.
When was the last time India lost an ODI series at home?
India suffered a rare ODI series defeat at home against Australia in March 2023, as the world champions clinched the three-match series 2-1. India had kicked off the series with a comfortable five-wicket win at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Australia bounced back emphatically in the second ODI, chasing down a 118-run target in just 11 overs without losing a wicket in Vizag to level the series. The decider in Chennai went down to the wire, but Australia held their nerves to register a 21-run victory and seal the series.
India need another 'Ro-Ko' show
India's hopes once again rest on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to carry the team in the series decider, as the hosts aim to avoid another humiliating loss to South Africa.
A win in this crucial match could silence critics, but it will once again require Kohli and Rohit to shoulder the bulk of the responsibility.
Both players have long been the undisputed masters of the 50-over format, no strangers to high-pressure situations. Their careers are defined by overcoming challenges - a thrilling journey that has spanned more than a decade and a half.
