As India looks to face South Africa in the opening ODI of the three-match series on Sunday, November 30, at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi, stand-in captain KL Rahul has confirmed that MS Dhoni will be in attendance for the series opener in his hometown.
The Men in Blue enter the ODI series hoping to bounce back after a disappointing 2-0 Test defeat to South Africa. With Shubman Gill ruled out due to injury, Rahul has been handed the captaincy duties. Meanwhile, veteran batters Rohit Sharma
and Virat Kohli return to the format.
A few days before the fixture, Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ruturaj Gaikwad visited Dhoni’s home for dinner. The reunion became even more memorable when Dhoni personally drove Kohli back to the team hotel. Speaking ahead of the match, Rahul revealed Dhoni would be attending the contest from the stands.
“Obviously, we have all played under him. We have all been his fans, and we have also played alongside him. So he is a friend. And to know someone like MS, you know, what can I say — it’s a really happy feeling. Getting an opportunity like this, to know someone as big and as successful as him as an Indian cricketer we have all respected him as a human being as well,” Rahul said in the pre-match press conference.
The excitement for the crowd and for us will increase even more: KL Rahul
Rahul further added that the legendary skipper's presence in the stands would increase the excitement levels for both the crowd and the players. He also said that if the team manages to win, both Dhoni and the crowd will be delighted.
“So if he comes to watch the match, the excitement for the crowd and for us will increase even more. So yes, we’re happy. If the crowd turns up in big numbers, we will also enjoy playing here. And hopefully, we can win the game, put in a good performance, entertain the crowd, and MS Dhoni will also feel happy that we won,” he added.
