As the countdown begins for the India vs South Africa second ODI, Raipur is witnessing a level of cricket fever it has rarely experienced before. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium — India’s third-largest cricket venue — has hosted only two international matches so far, both in 2023. But after two years of waiting, the city is buzzing once again as fans prepare to welcome Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back to action.
Fans Flood Raipur as Cricket Returns After Two Years
The excitement in Raipur has reached a peak, with thousands gathering around the airport, stadium gates, and team routes just to catch a glimpse of the two modern greats. Virat Kohli, fresh from scoring his 52nd ODI hundred in Ranchi, was greeted with overwhelming scenes of admiration as soon as he landed on Monday. The crowd only grew louder when he stepped into the stadium for Tuesday’s training session.
From fans to venue officials to local police, everyone seemed mesmerised as Kohli walked out of the team bus — a brief moment that captured the city’s rising cricket frenzy.
India vs South Africa: Training Session Turns Into a Mini-Spectacle
Kohli Lights Up the Nets With Power-Hitting Show
During India’s training session, the focus was entirely on power-hitting — an essential adjustment for the larger boundaries of Raipur, measured at 72 metres straight and 70 metres square. Kohli turned the nets into a spectacle, sending ball after ball over the boundary rope. Fans erupted every time he cleared the fence, creating a match-like atmosphere even during practice.
Throwdown specialists Raghu and Nuwan Seneviratne tested Kohli with serious pace, but the former captain responded with clean, towering shots that left everyone in awe.
Rohit Sharma Joins In; Silent Moment Draws Attention
In the adjacent nets, Rohit Sharma was also sweating it out ahead of the crucial India vs South Africa clash. Moments after Kohli wrapped up his session and walked past head coach Gautam Gambhir without a word, Rohit briefly stopped to exchange a few comments with him — a subtle moment that caught attention amid ongoing rumours about internal dressing-room unrest.
Youngsters Thrive Under Guidance of Rohit and Kohli
Despite unverified reports hinting at tension, young India pacer Harshit Rana offered a completely contrasting picture. Having shared the dressing room with Rohit and Kohli across nine games, Rana credited the duo for maintaining a “very happy” and positive team environment.
According to Rana, the senior players constantly support and guide the youngsters, especially in high-pressure situations. Their motivation remains steady regardless of good or bad phases, ensuring that the dressing room atmosphere stays healthy and encouraging.
India vs South Africa: Big-Hitting Practice Thrills Spectators
The training session was filled with fireworks from all Indian batters. As the team adjusted to Raipur’s bigger boundaries, nearly every player sent balls soaring into the stands. Rishabh Pant, in particular, delivered the longest hit of the day, smashing the hoarding on the second tier.
Spectators who gathered for practice left with unforgettable memories, following every shot as if they were watching a live match.
Raipur Prepares for an Unforgettable India vs South Africa ODI
With a full house expected, Raipur’s cricket-starved fans hope for a thrilling contest — unlike the last ODI played at this venue in 2023, when New Zealand were bowled out for just 108. If the Indian stars repeat the explosive hitting they showed in the nets, Wednesday night promises to be an electrifying spectacle.
Pitch and Weather Overview
The only ODI played here — India vs New Zealand in 2023 — leaves limited historical data. Still, the general goal this time is to avoid a surface that excessively favours bowlers. Weather conditions are expected to be ideal, with temperatures between 14°C and 27°C.
Dew is not expected to play a major role due to the stadium’s location near Raipur’s green “Oxygen Zone,” situated next to the vast Sendh Lake.