WATCH: Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad visit Dhoni’s farmhouse for dinner in Ranchi

Team India received a timely morale boost ahead of the South Africa ODI series as Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Ruturaj Gaikwad and several teammates visited MS Dhoni’s iconic Ranchi farmhouse on Thursday, November 275. The informal dinner came just days before the opening ODI on Sunday at the JSCA International Stadium, creating a warm pre-series atmosphere after a hectic Test tour.

Viral videos from the evening showed fans lining the entrance as Kohli arrived under police escort. In a standout moment that set social media abuzz, Dhoni himself drove Kohli back to the team hotel, sparking nostalgia and showcasing the strong camaraderie between the cricketing greats. With India aiming to reset after a tough Test campaign, the gathering served as a refreshing moment of unity.

Virat Kohli’s Ranchi arrival rekindles his bond with MS Dhoni

Virat landed in Ranchi on November 26 after returning from London . After a practice session for the South Africa ODI with opening batter Rohit Sharma, Kohli made his way to Dhoni’s residence, where excited fans thronged the streets for a glimpse of the former captain.

Footage from the night captured Kohli sitting beside Dhoni in his car, leaving the farmhouse after dinner – a sight that evoked memories of their long-standing partnership during India’s golden era in white-ball cricket. Kohli’s visit also symbolized leadership continuity and emotional reassurance at a time when India is navigating a transitional phase following a 0-2 Test defeat.

Virat Kohli reached MS Dhoni's home for dinner.

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli)

Rishabh Pant looks for fresh start after Test series struggles

Pant arrived shortly after Kohli, drawing significant attention following a difficult Test series in which he captained the second game after Shubman Gill’s injury. With just 49 runs across four innings, Pant faced public criticism and later issued an apology for his shot selection, acknowledging the need for improvement.

For Pant, meeting Dhoni – one of his biggest mentors – served as an important mental reset. With Gill still sidelined, Pant is expected to play a crucial middle-order role in the ODI series. As he returns to the 50-over format for the first time since August 2024, the Ranchi reunion may provide the confidence he needs to reignite his limited-overs form.

Also READ: BCCI names India’s squad for ODI series against South Africa; KL Rahul to lead

Ruturaj Gaikwad strengthens India’s ODI options with timely recall

Ruturaj also joined the group at Dhoni’s farmhouse, capping off the gathering of key players. His ODI recall, earned through standout domestic performances, adds greater depth to India’s top-order options. Gaikwad’s inclusion reinforces the team’s commitment to balancing experienced campaigners with promising young talent as they look to recover from the Test setback.

Virat Kohli and Rishabh pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad were invited for dinner at MS Dhoni's farmhouse in Ranchi tonight.

( hookah party) Gang 😂

— Aditya (@AdityaBhatia009)

The dinner mirrored Dhoni’s long-standing tradition of hosting Indian squads in Ranchi, similar to previous occasions such as the 2019 Australia ODI series. The gesture has often played a role in enhancing team cohesion before major matches at the JSCA Stadium, a venue where India last produced memorable ODI performances in 2022.

Team India aims for strong ODI start against the Proteas

With KL Rahul returning for leadership stability, Rohit and Kohli’s seasoned presence, and a motivated blend of youth and experience, India now shifts focus to white-ball redemption. Social media platforms buzzed with clips of the players’ arrivals in Ranchi, heightening excitement ahead of the first ODI.

Selectors and team management believe the relaxed evening at Dhoni’s farmhouse will help clear minds and foster togetherness as India prepares for a challenging South Africa lineup.

The Ranchi meetup highlighted the personal bonds that underpin Indian cricket, setting a positive tone for the upcoming ODI series and offering fans renewed hope ahead of the first match on November 30.

Also READ: Top 5 biggest defeats of Team India in Test cricket