India’s stand-in ODI captain KL Rahul believes that MS Dhoni’s presence in Ranchi for the opening ODI against South Africa would significantly elevate the atmosphere—not just for the fans, but for the dressing room as well. The three-match ODI series begins on Sunday, November 30, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Dhoni’s home ground, where emotions naturally run deeper.

With the match returning to Dhoni’s backyard, speculation is intense that the legendary former India captain may turn up to watch the game. Speaking ahead of the series opener, Rahul shared what Dhoni means to the current generation of cricketers, most of whom grew up idolising him.

“Most of us have played under him and been huge fans of MS Dhoni. For many of us, he’s been a senior, a mentor, and eventually, a friend,” KL Rahul said during the pre-match press conference. He recalled the early days of his international career, when sharing a dressing room with Dhoni felt surreal.

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“To know someone like MS personally is a privilege. As Indian cricketers, we’ve not only admired his achievements but respected him deeply as a human being.”

Rahul admitted that if Dhoni walks into the stands on match day, it would instantly lift the mood for both the crowd and the players.

“If he comes to watch us, it adds to the excitement. The atmosphere becomes electric in Ranchi whenever he is around,” KL Rahul added. “If the stadium fills up, we’ll enjoy playing even more, and hopefully, we can deliver a performance that makes the fans—and MS—happy.”

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The JSCA Stadium, inaugurated in 2013, has gradually become a significant venue in Indian cricket, hosting six ODIs, four T20Is, three Test matches, and several IPL and CLT20 games. With Dhoni’s shadow always looming large in Ranchi, Sunday’s ODI promises a special kind of energy.