Virat Kohli received a heartwarming welcome in Raipur on Monday evening as he arrived at the Indian team hotel ahead of the second ODI against South Africa. A group of young fans had patiently gathered outside, clutching roses, waiting for a brief moment with their hero. As Kohli stepped out of the team bus, their excitement transformed into a beautiful gesture—each child stepped forward to offer him a rose. Kohli smiled warmly, acknowledging every young fan with genuine affection before making his way inside.
The awe on the kids’ faces summed up the moment, which quickly went viral across social media platforms. The 37-year-old batting maestro, who now resides in London, has been the focal point of India’s ODI series. Just 24 hours earlier, Kohli lit up Ranchi with yet another masterclass, smashing his 52nd ODI hundred at the JSCA International Stadium.
His authoritative 135 off 120 balls propelled India to a towering 349, setting up a dominant win in the series opener. Fans left the stadium with memories they’ll cherish for years, and Kohli’s current form has raised expectations for the remainder of the series. Kohli’s arrival in Raipur also came fresh off a much-talked-about reunion with former India captain MS Dhoni.
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The two icons met for dinner at Dhoni’s Ranchi residence, and the interaction set social media buzzing as fans celebrated the rare off-field moment between two of India’s most beloved cricketers. Kohli’s sharp form, composed presence, and the warmth he has shown during these interactions have built a positive atmosphere as India gear up for the second ODI.
this is how fans welcomed kohli in raipur😭🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/Y1YNCNUcxd
— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrognxvirat) December 2, 2025
Raipur, meanwhile, is gearing up for a massive turnout. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium will host just its second-ever ODI, but enthusiasm is already sky-high. The last ODI played here saw India skittle out New Zealand for a mere 108, with Mohammed Shami starring with the ball. Rohit Sharma anchored the chase with a confident half-century, while Kohli chipped in with 11 as India wrapped up victory inside 21 overs.
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This time, both Kohli and Rohit will command the spotlight once again. Rohit carried his rich form from Australia into the Ranchi opener, scoring a fluent fifty and surpassing Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record of 351 international sixes. Fans in Raipur know this match could be a rare—and possibly final—opportunity to watch both icons in action at this venue. With both players pushing hard for spots in the 2027 World Cup squad, their renewed hunger has been evident in their preparation and performances.
As India look to secure a 2–0 series lead on Wednesday, the senior duo will be determined to deliver another impactful performance.
