Relaxed Mood in Ranchi as Indian Players Assemble at Dhoni’s Residence Before ODIs

Ranchi: Before the ODI series against South Africa, Indian players reaching MS Dhoni's Ranchi home one by one remained a topic of discussion. Like every time, this time too, as soon as the team reached Dhoni's city, many players went to meet him at his house. This age-old tradition not only lightens the team atmosphere but also creates a positive energy among the players before the big match.

The disappointment of losing the Test series is still fresh, but the body language of the players in Ranchi shows that the team is in a mood to reset as soon as possible.

The team got a big morale from the return of Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, who returned to the ODI team, was one of the players who attracted the most attention. His return after a bad test series will help reinvigorate the batting order.

India will play the first ODI on November 30 at the JSCA International Stadium. The Indian team, which has performed brilliantly here in 2022, is looking at this match as a new beginning. With the presence of Rohit Sharma, both the leadership and strategy of the team are expected to get the right direction again.

Virat Kohli and Rishabh pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad were invited for dinner at MS Dhoni's farmhouse in Ranchi tonight.

( hookah party) Gang 😂 pic.twitter.com/koG3OySiyK

— Aditya (@AdityaBhatia009) November 27, 2025

Eyes on Pant, chance to leave behind bad test form

Rishabh Pant also reached Ranchi and once again remained in the limelight. Pant, who took over the captaincy after Shubman Gill's injury in the Guwahati Test, scored only 49 runs in four innings. He faced criticism for poor shot selection and publicly apologized for the team's performance.

Now he has returned to the ODI team and has a big chance to leave behind the disappointment of the Test series. Since Shubman Gill is not a part of this series, Pant may get more responsibility in the middle order. His last ODI was played in August 2024.

Rishabh pant Reached MS Dhoni's House for a Dinner party

- Msd and Rishabh Pant Bond ❤️#RishabhPant #MSDhoni pic.twitter.com/tJbMOb2P4r

— Anshuman (@_spideyyy17) November 27, 2025

The strength of the top order increased with the return of Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad was also among those who reached Dhoni's house. After his brilliant performance in domestic cricket, he has again got a place in the ODI team. His presence adds stability and depth to the top order. Both Pant and Gaikwad seem desperate to capitalize on their opportunities, which also shows good competition within the team.

A new focus of the team seen in Ranchi camp

It is clear from the presence of players in Ranchi that the atmosphere of the team is united and positive. The combination of changing the format, the return of senior players, and the hunger of young players has filled the team with new energy. India will try to start this ODI series on a strong note and regain its momentum, leaving behind the disappointment of the Test series.