Virat Kohli was seen paying a visit to MS Dhoni’s house in Ranchi on Thursday evening for a special meal ahead of India’s ODI series against South Africa. Kohli, accompanied by a police car, waved at fans who had gathered outside Dhoni’s farmhouse. Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad were also spotted at the special bash hosted at the residence of the former captain.
They will play three one-day internationals, the first of which is scheduled to begin at the same venue on November 30. This series marks the return of Rohit Sharma and Kohli, who last featured in an ODI in Australia last month. India, however, come into the match under pressure after a humiliating Test series defeat. Kohli landed in Ranchi on Wednesday after flying from Mumbai and joined the team’s practice session that evening.

Local cameras captured the star batter arriving with a police escort, and meanwhile, fans crowded around the door to catch a glimpse of him. Although the dinner gathering remained small and no senior teammates attended, Pant and Gaikwad eventually arrived for supper. Moreover, both share a close relationship with Dhoni, which added a familiar touch to the evening.
Watch the video below:
MS DHONI AND VIRAT KOHLI TOGETHER IN THE SAME CAR. 😍❤️ pic.twitter.com/oGFirjPTo4
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 27, 2025 
Virat Kohli was one of the first to start hitting at the JSCA International Stadium Complex this morning. Rohit, Tilak Varma and Gaikwad trained him during the session. For the old warhorse, the series carries personal significance. He has scored 14,255 ODI runs and 51 centuries, making him the backbone of India’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup. His return, along with Rohit reclaiming the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings, gives India a major boost as they try to move past their defeat in the Test leg.
