Internet melts down as MS Dhoni spotted with Virat Kohli in Ranchi ahead of IND vs SA ODI
.png)
Wading through the disappointment of the Test whitewash, it is now time to shift focus to the 50-over format. The IND vs SA ODI series is set to kick off on 30 November in Ranchi. The start of the white-ball leg brings the action to the den of India’s World Cup-winning captain, MS Dhoni. Meanwhile, as Indian fans eagerly await the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to the field for the ODI series, the contest has already conspired a heartwarming reunion. Ahead of the IND vs SA clash, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni were spotted together in Ranchi, sending fans into a frenzy.
MS Dhoni drives Virat Kohli to team hotel following heartwarming ‘Mahirat’ reunion before IND vs SA ODI
As India gears up for the three-match IND vs SA ODI series, scheduled to start on Sunday at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium, an unexpected moment in Ranchi captured more attention than the preparations themselves. Several Indian players, including Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad, dropped by the residence of MS Dhoni on Thursday, turning the visit into a social-media sensation and adding a sentimental touch to the lead-up to the series.
The appearance of Virat Kohli at Dhoni’s home drew the biggest reaction from fans, and unsurprisingly so. Few pairings in Indian cricket have left a deeper mark than the Dhoni-Kohli duo. MS Dhoni nurtured his deputy under his leadership with his calm mentorship. Meanwhile, Dhoni backed him in pressure situations across formats. Their enduring equation resurfaced in Ranchi, where videos of Dhoni greeting Kohli at the doorstep and ushering him inside quickly swept through online platforms.
In THALAinagaram, long drives and Mahirat bonding are a must! 💯💛 #WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) November 28, 2025
pic.twitter.com/RZHBZoTgH1
What elevated the moment further was the visuals that followed the 'Mahirat' meet-up. Dhoni personally took the wheel of his car and drove Kohli around after the conclusion of the reunion. The short clip, featuring Dhoni navigating the streets with Kohli seated beside him waving at crowds packed along the roadside, spread rapidly across the internet. For many supporters, it was a throwback to a golden phase of Indian cricket, prompting them to label the scene as the “moment of the year.”
MahiRat Reunion 💛❤️ pic.twitter.com/ewj9z0pJdp
— 𝗦🤍 (@mithravibes) November 27, 2025
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad were part of the cherished visit as well, continuing the familiar practice of Indian players stopping by Dhoni’s home whenever the national team plays in Ranchi. Pant, who has often spoken about Dhoni’s guiding influence on his career, was seen arriving with teammates. Gaikwad, a core member of the Chennai Super Kings under Dhoni, shared an ease reflective of their strong IPL association.
Coming to the IND vs SA ODI series, KL Rahul is set to lead the hosts in the absence of Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, the squad is attempting to regroup swiftly after the humilitaing end to the Test series. Kohli’s return to the ODI fold, and his role as the stabilising force in the batting unit, makes him central to India’s plans. His visit to Dhoni’s home served not only as a treat for fans but also as a symbolic reminder of unity and renewed spirit within the group.
The Indian contingent, which reached Ranchi earlier in the week, briefly stepped away from training to be part of the reunion. Throughout the day, supporters gathered outside Dhoni’s residence, cheering loudly as each player arrived. Photos and clips from the scene continued to circulate, blending nostalgia with excitement and building anticipation ahead of a crucial ODI assignment.
With the series opener set to unfold in the backyard of MS Dhoni, the warm interactions in Ranchi resonated deeply. As India looks to start the contest on a positive note, the emotional spark provided by Dhoni, especially the image of him driving around Kohli through familiar lanes, has set the tone for a motivated and closely knit Indian side ready to take on South Africa.
