Former Indian captain and Ranchi homegrown MS Dhoni was expected to reach the JSCA International Cricket Stadium to watch the first ODI between India and South Africa; However, the latest reports have suggested the opposite to expectations.
India will reach Ranchi for the first ODI and will then play two more ODIs in Raipur and Visakhapatnam. With three offbeat venues for the ODI matches, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have returned to play on home soil since the last series against England, so the excitement is still very high.
Ranchi will host its first international Test in 2024 and its first ODI after 3 years; Hence, it was quite anticipated that Ranchi homeboy MS Dhoni is likely to be present during the first ODI.
KL Rahul and Team India were expecting MS Dhoni’s presence in the Ranchi match.
Ever since the Indian team reached Ranchi, there has been discussion about his conversation with former Indian legend Dhoni. Dhoni, who is currently in his hometown, invited Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant for dinner at his residence.
When the press asked about his presence at JSCA during the first ODI, the stand-in captain also became a fan and praised the great Indian captain. KL Rahul himself also made his debut under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
He clearly said that he is a beloved figure in Indian cricket, and if he visits JSCA, the crowd as well as the Indian players will be thrilled and filled with excitement. Dhoni has been an inspiration in Indian cricket.
MS Dhoni will not reach JSCA Stadium
However, dashing all hopes, RevSportz reporter Subhayan Chakraborty brought disappointing news. According to him, MS Dhoni is unlikely to reach Ranchi’s JSCA Stadium for the first ODI match between India and South Africa.
MS Dhoni is unlikely to be at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi during the first ODI between India and South Africa.
– Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) 29 November 2025
KL Rahul has increased the curiosity about Rishabh Pant’s return to ODI.
KL Rahul attended the pre-match press conference as India captain in the ODI series and was asked a question on Rishabh Pant’s re-entry into the ODI team.
Rahul said, “You will Tomorrow we will know who will play – whether it is me or him behind the stumps – but obviously, he is good enough to play as a batsman as well.”
Furthermore, they wanted to know whether the experienced Indian batsman would save wickets himself if Rishabh Pant plays the role of gloveman when he comes on the field. Rahul was quite straightforward in replying to this, revealing, “If he is in the eleven, then obviously he will take the gloves, and I will be in the field.”
Also read: Despite BCCI’s displeasure, Gautam Gambhir will remain the head coach; Future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli…
