Virat Kohli Arrives in Ranchi for India vs South Africa ODIs, Welcomed by Ex-Cricketer Saurabh Tiwary

Indian Cricket Star Virat Kohli landed in Ranchi on Tuesday evening, drawing enthusiastic crowds at Birsa Munda Airport ahead of the India–South Africa ODI series. The 36-year-old batting icon was greeted by former India cricketer and current JKCA Secretary Saurabh Tiwary, who personally received him at the airport amid heavy security. Video clips and images from the venue showed Kohli smiling, waving to fans, and posing for quick photographs before being escorted to his team’s hotel under tight arrangements.

Ranchi, famously known as the hometown of former India Captain MS Dhoni, is gearing up to host the series opener at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium on November 30. The anticipation around Kohli’s presence has sparked early excitement among local fans, with large crowds expected during team practice sessions. After the opening match in Ranchi, India will play the remaining two ODIs in Raipur on December 3 and Visakhapatnam on December 6.

Kohli enters the series following an impressive return to form during India’s tour of Australia last month, where he struck an unbeaten 74 off 81 balls to steer India to a nine-wicket win in Sydney. The innings came after a rare dip in form, during which he recorded back-to-back ducks for the first time in his career. The veteran batter, who has scored 14,255 runs and 51 centuries in 305 ODIs, remains the backbone of India’s lineup and continues to be the second-highest run-scorer in the format’s history.

Also Read: IND av SA 2nd Test: South Africa Secures 408-Run Victory Over India

With Captain Shubman Gill and Vice-Captain Shreyas Iyer sidelined due to injuries, KL Rahul will lead the team in this three-match series. The management is expected to rely heavily on Kohli’s vast experience to anchor the batting order alongside emerging players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma. India’s bowling attack, featuring Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja, is also expected to play a key role on Ranchi’s batting-friendly pitch.

The Indian squad is scheduled to begin training sessions soon after Kohli’s arrival, with packed stands anticipated for the first ODI. For Ranchi, the upcoming fixture carries a nostalgic edge, as fans not only get to see Kohli return to form on familiar ground but also celebrate the city’s enduring connection with cricket legend MS Dhoni, who once led many of India’s greatest triumphs from the very same venue.

Also Read: IND vs SA 2nd Test: 549 to Win or Gambhir-Pant Era Ends in Humiliation