'If He Comes To Watch...': KL Rahul Drops Hint At MS Dhoni's Presence During Ranchi ODI Against South Africa

India vs South Africa 1st ODI Match in Ranchi: KL Rahul, India's stand-in captain, said it will be an exciting moment for the team if the former captain MS Dhoni turns up to watch the opening ODI against South Africa at the JSCA International Stadium on Sunday. India will be looking to produce an improved performance in the ODIs after a disappointing result during the Australia tour.

The regular captain, Shubman Gill, is not available for the three-match ODI series against South Africa as he continues to recover from his neck injury. India are on the back foot after suffering an embarrassing 0-2 defeat in the Test series.

Rahul debuted in ODIs under Dhoni's captaincy with a century in Harare in 2016. Hs ie set to continue the dual role of a middle-order batter and a wicket-keeper. With the game all set to be played in Dhoni's hometown, the former skipper is expected to be in the stands. Asked what Dhoni’s presence would mean for the team, Rahul recalled his early days in international cricket, talking about what it was like to play under Dhoni’s captaincy.

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"Obviously, we have all played under him. We have all been his fans, and we have also played alongside him. So he is a friend. And to know someone like MS, you know, what can I say, it is a really happy feeling," Rahul said while speaking at the pre-match press conference.

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"Getting an opportunity like this, to know someone as big and as successful as him as an Indian cricketer, we have all respected him as a human being as well," Rahul added.

Rahul said that Dhoni being in the stands would boost the excitement for both the crowd and the players. "So if he comes to watch the match, the excitement for the crowd and for us will increase even more. So yes, we are happy. If the crowd turns up in big numbers, we will also enjoy playing here," Rahul said.

"And hopefully, we can win the game, put in a good performance, entertain the crowd, and MS Dhoni will also feel happy that we won," Rahul added.

The first match at Ranchi’s JSCA Stadium was played way back in 2013. Since then, the venue has hosted six ODIs, four T20Is and three Tests, along with 12 IPL and CLT20 games.