In a heartwarming prelude to the India-South Africa ODI series, MS Dhoni opened the doors of his Ranchi residence on Thursday to welcome senior teammates Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad, rekindling bonds that have defined Indian cricket’s most successful era. The gathering, ahead of the first ODI at the JSCA Stadium on Sunday, instantly became the talk of the cricketing world.
The highlight came when Dhoni himself took the wheel of his personal car to drop Virat Kohli after the visit. As the two legends drove through Ranchi streets lined with thousands of ecstatic fans, Kohli waved from the passenger seat while Dhoni navigated calmly, triggering an avalanche of emotional reactions across social media platforms. Many hailed the scene as the most iconic off-field moment of 2025.
Rishabh Pant, who has repeatedly credited Dhoni for guiding his comeback from a life-threatening accident, arrived with visible warmth, while Chennai Super Kings teammate Ruturaj Gaikwad shared an easy rapport with his long-time IPL captain. The visit continued a cherished tradition whenever the Indian team plays in Ranchi, with players making it a point to seek Dhoni’s blessings and company.
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With KL Rahul leading a transitional ODI side and Kohli returning to anchor the batting line-up, the reunion carried deeper significance. The presence of Dhoni, still a towering influence despite retirement from international cricket, appeared to infuse the squad with renewed confidence and unity ahead of a crucial white-ball assignment against South Africa.
As videos and photographs of the day continued to dominate timelines, the image of Dhoni driving Kohli encapsulated more than nostalgia, it symbolised the unbroken thread of leadership, respect and camaraderie that continues to inspire the current generation as India prepares to launch its ODI campaign on Dhoni’s home ground.
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