[WATCH]- Kohli Arrives In Ranchi Alongside Former U19 Teammate Before IND Vs SA ODI Series

Star batsman Virat Kohli reached Ranchi ahead of India’s upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, which is set to start on November 30 at the JSCA International Stadium. On Wednesday, November 26, Kohli was spotted leaving Ranchi airport alongside his former India U-19 teammate Saurabh Tiwary.

Saurabh, now serving as the Secretary of the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), shared a cheerful chat with Kohli as they walked out of the airport. Kohli opted for a casual look, wearing a black t-shirt paired with a denim jacket, while Tiwary was dressed formally in a suit. Interestingly, Kohli had reached Mumbai a day before, on Tuesday, November 25.

You can watch the video here:

#WATCH | Jharkhand: Indian cricketer Virat Kohli arrives in Ranchi ahead of the first India vs South Africa ODI match to be played on November 30 at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium. pic.twitter.com/ozsfFV0URQ

— ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2025

Virat Kohli and Saurabh Tiwary featured in the Indian squad that clinched the U19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2008. Interestingly, they reunited on the field when Saurabh represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL between 2011 and 2013.

South Africa ODIs Key Opportunity For Virat Kohli

All eyes will be on Virat Kohli during India’s three-match home ODI series against South Africa. With uncertainties surrounding his place in the 2027 World Cup squad, every innings will carry extra significance for him. In India’s previous ODI tour of Australia, Kohli struggled initially, recording two consecutive ducks in the first two matches.

He bounced back strongly in the final ODI, scoring an unbeaten 74 off 81 balls, including seven boundaries, showcasing his class once again. Kohli will aim to carry that momentum into this series and deliver consistent performances. Across 305 ODIs, he has scored 14,255 runs at an average of 57.71, including 51 centuries and 75 half-centuries.

Kohli also boasts a remarkable record against South Africa in ODIs. In 31 matches, he has accumulated 1,504 runs at an average of 65.39, including five centuries and eight fifties, with a highest score of an unbeaten 160.

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