MS Dhoni to watch IND vs SA 1st ODI in Ranchi? KL Rahul drops BIG hint for Thala fans

KL Rahul, who is all set to serve as India’s stand-in captain in the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, shared his excitement about the possibility of MS Dhoni featuring in the first match of the series. India will take on South Africa in the opening ODI to be held at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.

Considering that the match will be played in Dhoni’s hometown, the iconic former India captain is also expected to attend. Before the match, Rahul was asked about the importance of Dhoni’s presence in the stadium for the team. In response, the stand-in captain reminisced about the early stages of his career playing under Dhoni’s guidance.

“Obviously, we all played under him. We were all fans of him and we played under him as well. So he is a friend. And to know someone like MS, what can I say, it is a really happy feeling. To get an opportunity like this, to know an Indian cricketer as great as him and as successful as him, we all respected him as a human being as well,” Rahul said at the pre-match press conference.

Rahul emphasized that Dhoni’s presence in the stands will increase the excitement for both the spectators and the players.

“So if the fans come to watch the match, the excitement will increase even more for the fans and for us. So yes, we are happy. If the fans come in large numbers, we will also enjoy playing here. And hopefully we can win the match, give a good performance, entertain the audience and MS Dhoni will also be happy that we won,” he added.

The JSCA Stadium in Ranchi has hosted six ODIs, four T20Is and three Tests since its opening in 2013. It has also hosted 12 IPL and CLT20 matches. Dhoni has participated in six international games at this location and has also been a spectator in many other games. He, who recently hosted the Indian team for dinner at his home, is expected to feature once again in the first ODI.

For India, the situation goes beyond mere sensitivity. After a tough 0-2 defeat in the Test series, the One Day Internationals in Ranchi, Raipur and Visakhapatnam serve as the first test for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, giving Rahul’s team the opportunity to redefine their approach to white-ball cricket. Revered as a legend, a local icon and a former World Cup-winning captain, the entry of Dhoni makes this reset a significant platform.

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