Virat Kohli Arrives in Ranchi Ahead of 1st ODI vs South Africa

Kohli Touches Down in MS Dhoni’s Hometown

India’s batting superstar Virat Kohli has arrived in Ranchi, the hometown of former captain MS Dhoni, ahead of the first ODI against South Africa. The 37-year-old right-handed batter was spotted at Ranchi airport on Wednesday morning, November 26. Kohli recently returned to India from London and is all set to feature in the three-match ODI series starting Sunday, November 30, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex. So let’s know about Virat Kohli Arrives in Ranchi.

The remaining two matches of the series will be held at Raipur on December 3 and Visakhapatnam on December 6. Kohli’s arrival marks a key boost for India’s ODI squad as they prepare to face a strong South African team in the early leg of the home season.

India’s Last International in Ranchi

India last hosted an international fixture in Ranchi in February 2024, during the fourth Test against England. That match ended in a win for India under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. Kohli, however, missed the series due to the birth of his second child, Akaay. His presence in Ranchi now brings excitement to fans anticipating his performance in India’s ODI setup.

Kohli’s Recent Form

Kohli retired from T20Is on June 29, 2024, and from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, but remains a crucial part of India’s ODI plans. His most recent ODI appearance was on October 25, 2025, against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. In that match, he scored an unbeaten 74, forming a 168-run second-wicket partnership with Rohit Sharma, helping India chase 237 runs in 38.3 overs and avoid a series whitewash.

KL Rahul to Lead in Kohli’s Absence of Senior Players

KL Rahul has been appointed captain for the series, taking over leadership duties as Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are unavailable due to injuries. With Gill missing the opening slot, Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to open the innings, while Tilak Varma is expected to slot in at No. 4. The squad also features a mix of experienced players and young talent:

  • Batsmen: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad

  • Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul (C), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel

  • All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar

  • Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh

Excitement Builds for ODI Series

Kohli’s presence in Ranchi adds anticipation for the first ODI, where fans hope to witness his trademark aggressive strokeplay. With KL Rahul leading a young yet talented Indian side, the series promises high-quality cricket and key performances ahead of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 preparations.

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