A touching moment unfolded in Ranchi as former India captain MS Dhoni hosted Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ruturaj Gaikwad at his residence before India’s upcoming ODI series against South Africa. The national squad reached Ranchi earlier in the week, but their short break from training became the highlight of the day when the veteran wicketkeeper welcomed his former teammates, sparking a wave of nostalgia across social media.
Kohli’s arrival at Dhoni’s home drew immense attention, reflecting a partnership that shaped a golden era of Indian cricket. Their mutual respect resurfaced as Dhoni greeted Kohli warmly, with videos of the moment instantly going viral. Fans were especially thrilled to see Dhoni personally drive Kohli in his car after the meet-up — a scene that spread across X and Instagram within minutes and was hailed by many as one of the most heartfelt cricket moments of the year.
Pant and Gaikwad also spent time with Dhoni, continuing the long-standing tradition of Indian players visiting him whenever the national side competes in his hometown. Pant, who often acknowledges Dhoni as a guiding figure, and Gaikwad, Dhoni’s dependable player from the Chennai Super Kings setup, were seen enjoying relaxed interactions during the visit.
The reunion comes at an important juncture for the Indian team. With KL Rahul leading the ODI squad in the absence of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, India is focused on bouncing back after a challenging Test series. Kohli’s return to the ODI lineup is expected to provide essential stability in the middle order, and his visit to Dhoni’s home symbolised renewed camaraderie and motivation ahead of the crucial matches.
Throughout Thursday, crowds gathered outside Dhoni’s residence to catch a glimpse of the stars. Photos and videos of fans cheering, players arriving, and Dhoni driving Kohli through the familiar streets of Ranchi spread rapidly, blending nostalgia with excitement. With the first ODI scheduled at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium — Dhoni’s home ground — the emotional boost from this special gathering has energised both supporters and players as India prepares for a spirited start against South Africa.