MS Dhoni refuses to attend India vs South Africa Ranchi ODI despite KL Rahul’s request
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Former Indian captain and Ranchi's homeboy MS Dhoni was expected to arrive at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium to witness the first ODI between India and South Africa; however, the latest reports have suggested the opposite of what was expected.
India will advance to Ranchi for the first ODI, and it will be followed by the two other ODIs in Raipur and Vishakapatnam. With three offbeat venues for the ODIs, the 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 be hosting its first-ever international Test in 2024 and its first ODI game after 3 years; hence, it was much anticipated that Ranchi's homeboy MS Dhoni is likely to make an appearance during the first ODI.
KL Rahul and Team India expected MS Dhoni's presence in the Ranchi match
Ever since the Indian team arrived in Ranchi, there has been buzz around their interaction with former Indian legend Dhoni. Dhoni, who is also in his hometown at this 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 heaped praises on 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 if he visits the 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 would not arrive at the JSCA Stadium
However, ruining all expectations, RevSportz reporter Subhayan Chakraborty came in with disheartening 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 unlikely to be at JSCA Stadium in Ranchi during the first ODI between India and South Africa.
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) November 29, 2025
KL Rahul increased the curiosity over Rishabh Pant's return to ODIs
KL Rahul attended the pre-match press conference as India's skipper in the ODI series and was questioned on Rishabh Pant's re-entry into the ODI team.
Rahul said, "You’ll get to know tomorrow who will play—whether it’s me or him behind the stumps—but obviously, he is good enough to play as a batter as well."
Further, they wanted to know if the seasoned Indian batter would keep the wickets himself if Rishabh Pant took over as the gloveman while he takes the field. Rahul was quite straightforward in answering this, as he revealed, "If he is in the eleven, then obviously he will take the gloves, and I will be in the field."
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India National Cricket Team South Africa National Cricket Team India vs South Africa South Africa vs India MS Dhoni KL Rahul
