Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Ruturaj Gaikwad visit Dhoni in Ranchi after Guwahati Test debacle | VIDEO

As the Indian cricket team assembled in Ranchi ahead of the ODI series against South Africa, a steady stream of players was spotted visiting MS Dhoni’s residence, a familiar tradition whenever the squad plays in his hometown. The informal gathering set a relaxed and positive tone for the team, signaling a collective desire to move on from the recent Test series loss and start fresh in the white-ball format.

Rishabh Pant also joined the gathering, drawing attention after a tough Test series where he served as stand-in captain in Guwahati and struggled with the bat. Pant publicly acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and promised to regroup, now aiming to make a fresh impact in the ODIs after a hiatus since August 2024. With Shubman Gill unavailable, he could play a more prominent role in the middle order.

Ruturaj Gaikwad was also part of the gathering at Dhoni’s residence, marking his ODI recall after strong domestic performances. His inclusion adds depth to India’s top order, pairing domestic form with international opportunity. The squad’s mix of seasoned players and eager newcomers suggests a focused, balanced group ready to build momentum.

Virat Kohli was among the most notable arrivals. Returning to the ODI squad, Kohli’s presence brings much-needed experience and stability to India’s batting order, particularly as the team seeks to recover from a disappointing Test campaign. Alongside him, Rohit Sharma’s return is expected to restore balance in leadership and provide strategic direction. The first ODI, scheduled for November 30 at the JSCA International Stadium, offers a chance for India to leverage favorable conditions, recalling their strong performance in the last ODI held there in 2022.

The Ranchi assembly reflected a unified spirit, as the team prepares to approach the upcoming series with renewed energy, determination, and a shared goal of bouncing back strongly.(With inputs from Agencies)