India Vs South Africa: Old Photo Of MS Dhoni In Ranchi Stadium Shared As Recent

Claim

India won the first ODI against South Africa, held in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30, 2025, by 17 runs. A smashing century from Virat Kohli, supported by half-centuries from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, powered India to a total of 349 in 50 overs.

Following the match, a photograph allegedly showing former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni attending the game at the Ranchi stadium went viral on social media platforms.

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Fact

A reverse image search of the viral photograph led us to an X post by @CricCrazyJohns, dated January 27, 2023. The post featured a photograph of MS Dhoni and his wife Sakshi seated in the same spot and wearing the same attire as seen in the viral image. It was captioned, “GOAT Dhoni is here in Ranchi.”

Further investigation led us to another X post shared by the BCCI on January 27, 2023, which included a video showing MS Dhoni and Sakshi at the Ranchi stadium during an India vs New Zealand match. On comparing the visuals, we found that the viral image is a still from this video.

This confirms that the photograph does not show Dhoni attending the recent India vs South Africa match in Ranchi, as claimed. Instead, it dates back to January 2023.

Multiple media outlets also reported  (seen here, here and here) that former Indian cricketer MS Dhoni was spotted at the JSCA International Stadium in Ranchi during a T20I between India and New Zealand in January 2023.

We have not found any credible evidence or confirmed reports of MS Dhoni being present at the stadium during the recent ODI match.

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Hence, we conclude that an old visual of MS Dhoni in Ranchi stadium is being falsely shared as recent, linking it to the India vs South Africa match.

Sources
X Post By @CricCrazyJohns, Dated January 27, 2023
X Post By BCCI , Dated January 27, 2023