The JSCA International Stadium Complex was buzzing ahead of India’s first ODI against South Africa, but a surprising controversy stole the limelight long before the toss, the pricing of customized team jerseys. Fans were shocked to find that adding Virat Kohli’s name to the back of the official ODI kit costs ₹300, while MS Dhoni’s iconic “7” is priced at just ₹200.

Jersey pricing triggers nostalgia, outrage, and debate as Ranchi gears up for the ODI series opener

The ₹100 gap was enough to ignite a frenzy across Ranchi, Dhoni’s hometown, where fans take immense pride in their legend. Social media erupted overnight, with hashtags like #JusticeForDhoni and #KohliVsDhoni dominating timelines. One viral post read, “₹300 for Kohli makes sense, but only ₹200 for the man who finished the 2011 final? Fix it!” Another fan joked, “Dhoni at ₹200 because he’s priceless, they didn’t know what to charge.”

The controversy began when local vendors and BCCI merchandise counters unveiled limited-edition ODI jerseys priced at a base ₹1,500. Player-name personalization added a premium, ₹300 for Kohli, India’s active superstar coming off 245 runs in three ODIs against Australia, and ₹200 for Dhoni, who retired three years ago but remains Ranchi’s heartbeat.

Merchandise officials defended the pricing as “purely demand-based,” arguing that Kohli’s active status, global appeal, and recent form drive higher premium. Yet, the emotional backlash, especially locally, underscored Dhoni’s undiminished presence. Stories of Dhoni hosting Rohit Sharma, Kohli, and Rishabh Pant for dinner earlier this week only added fuel to speculation that he might appear at the stadium.

Watch the video:

Player Jersey prices outside Ranchi:

Virat - 300 😭
Dhoni - 200
Other Randoms - 100

Sellers just using the name KOHLI to sell 100 rps jersey for 300 as no one is interested in buying random jerseys...!! pic.twitter.com/7XpiQSzVFc

— Praneeth VK¹⁸ (@fantasyy_d11) November 30, 2025

Kohli - 300
DhoNi - 200 😭😭

Unreal cooking of Dhobi in Ranchi 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/H7cu2zntRb

— Vivek (@Hailkohli18) November 27, 2025

ALSO SEE: After Faf du Plessis, this star KKR all-rounder also announces his retirement from IPL

Once the cricket took over, South Africa stand-in captain Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to bowl, expecting evening dew to aid the chase. India, looking to bounce back from a 0-2 Test series defeat, handed Yashasvi Jaiswal his maiden ODI cap. Ranchi’s pitch, with an average first-innings score of 265, promised a balanced contest.

Still, away from pitch reports and toss decisions, the jersey saga captured the city’s pulse. As one banner outside the gates read: “Mahi 200, but forever 7.”

Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul (c & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman