KL Rahul is expecting to see MS Dhoni in the stands during the India vs South Africa 1st ODI in Ranchi on November 30. The stand-in captain spoke about the legendary wicket-keeper batter during the press conference on the eve of the contest.

Dhoni hosted the Indian National Cricket Team for dinner at his residence before driving Virat Kohli back to the hotel, a gesture which was hailed by the fans.

“We have played under him, and we are all his friends. It is special to know someone like him. We had the opportunity to know someone as big as him, someone who has been successful for India, and we respect him,” KL Rahul said.

Rahul then shifted his focus to Dhoni’s presence. “If he comes to watch the match, the fans and I will get excited,” he added. “He might be there, and we are happy. If the fans come in large numbers, we will enjoy playing here, and hopefully we can beat South Africa.

We want to perform well and entertain the fans and MS Dhoni. He will also be happy if we win the game.”

India recently lost the Test series 0-2 against South Africa, and it is time for the Men in Blue to bounce back in Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam. It is a chance for the KL Rahul-led side to thump the visitors in an early audition for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

If India manages to secure a victory, it would be a tribute to the man who is the most successful Indian captain. Dhoni was last seen in action during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, where he led Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

He has been retained by the franchise and will don the yellow jersey in 2026 as well.