Former India captain and iconic wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni welcomed Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant to his Ranchi home for a warm, private dinner on Thursday (November 27). The reunion of three of India’s biggest cricketing names created an instant buzz online, especially with Kohli and Pant currently in Ranchi ahead of the first ODI of the three-match India–South Africa series. The series opener will be played at the JSCA International Stadium Complex on Sunday, November 30.
Kohli arrived in India on Wednesday after flying in from London, where he has been staying with his family. A day later, he was spotted entering Dhoni’s residence for the much-talked-about dinner. Fans soon flooded social media with pictures and videos of Dhoni personally driving Kohli back to the team hotel—moments that quickly went viral and highlighted the deep bond between the two legends.
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Ranchi last hosted international cricket in February 2024 during the fourth Test of the India–England series. Kohli, however, missed that entire series due to the birth of his second child, Akaay. This will now be his first international appearance in the city in nearly two years.
In THALAinagaram, long drives and Mahirat bonding are a must! 💯💛 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛
pic.twitter.com/RZHBZoTgH1— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 28, 2025
Kohli is set to return to his familiar No. 3 role for the upcoming ODIs. His last appearance for India came on October 25 in Sydney, where he struck an unbeaten half-century against Australia, helping the Shubman Gill-led side avoid a whitewash.
Just their 5-second glimpse is enough to break the internet 🔥
KING 🫂 THALA#INDvSA 1st ODI | SUN, 30 NOV, 12:30 PM pic.twitter.com/IpojMWYs8Z
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 28, 2025
However, Gill—India’s current Test and ODI captain—has been ruled out of the South Africa series due to a neck injury sustained during the first Test in Kolkata. In his absence, KL Rahul will lead the team.
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Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, makes a much-awaited return to India’s ODI setup after more than a year. The squad also sees the comeback of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, and Tilak Varma. With Gill sidelined, Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to open alongside world No. 1 ODI batter Rohit Sharma. Tilak Varma is expected to slot in at No. 4, replacing Shreyas Iyer in the playing XI.
The dinner at Dhoni’s home has added an emotional touch to India’s preparation, bringing together experience, leadership, and camaraderie ahead of a crucial ODI series.
