India will proceed to Ranchi for the first ODI, and this will be followed by the two other ODIs in Raipur and Vishakapatnam. With three unusual venues for the ODIs, excitement is still very high since Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return to play on home soil since the last series against England.
Ranchi will host its first-ever International Test in 2024 and its first ODI game after three years; Hence, it was long expected that Ranchi’s homeboy MS Dhoni was likely to feature in the first ODI.
KL Rahul and Team India were expecting the presence of MS Dhoni in the Ranchi match
Ever since the Indian team arrived in Ranchi, there has been a lot of buzz about their interaction with former Indian legend Dhoni. Dhoni, who is also in his hometown at the moment, invited Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant for dinner at his own residence.
When the press asked about his presence in the JSCA during the first ODI, even the stand-in skipper turned into a fanboy as he praised the legendary Indian captain. KL Rahul himself also made his debut under MS Dhoni.
He clearly stated that he is a loved figure in Indian cricket and when he visits the JSCA, both the crowd and the Indian players will be excited and filled with excitement. Dhoni has been an inspiration in Indian cricket.
MS Dhoni would not arrive at the JSCA Stadium
However, RevSportz reporter Subhayan Chakraborty spoiled all expectations and delivered some discouraging news. According to him, MS Dhoni is unlikely to arrive at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi for the first ODI between India and South Africa.
MS Dhoni is unlikely to be present at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi for the first ODI between India and South Africa.
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) November 29, 2025
KL Rahul increased the curiosity about Rishabh Pant’s return to ODIs
KL Rahul attended the pre-match press conference as India’s skipper in the ODI series and was asked about Rishabh Pant’s return to the ODI team.
Rahul said, “You will Tomorrow we will know who will play – whether it is me or him behind the stumps – but he is obviously good enough to also play as a batsman.”
They further wanted to know whether the veteran Indian batsman would keep the wickets himself if Rishabh Pant took over as gloveman while taking the field. Rahul was quite clear in his response to this as he revealed, “If he is in the XI, then obviously he will take the gloves and I will be in the field.”
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