As the focus shifts from the Tests to the ODIs, the three-match series will also be a start of a new era for the Indian cricket team as they will be playing the 50-over format for the first time since Virat Kohli’s removal as the captain. It would have been the first series for Rohit Sharma as full-time white-ball captain of the Indian side if not for the hamstring injury he sustained during training ahead of the South Africa tour.

In his absence, Rahul will be leading the side while the pace bowlers Jasprit Bumrah will be his deputy for the three-match series against the Proteas starting on Wednesday, January 19 in Paarl. Rahul, who led India in the second Test in Johannesburg, speaking ahead of the series said that the game gave him a lot of learnings and will only get better from here.

Talking about having seen and played under the captaincy of MS Dhoni and Kohli, Rahul said that he would apply all those learnings and it is a great opportunity for him to be at the helm of the side. During the pre-match press conference, the 29-year old said, “I think I take every game as it comes. I am not really someone who gets worried or gets too happy. I stay balanced with the results, there were a lot of learnings from the Johannesburg Test.

“I have learned a lot from both MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, I am human, I will make mistakes along the way but I will learn and get better. That’s where my mind is at. The ODI series is a fresh start and it is a great opportunity for me to lead the side,” Rahul further said.

The dashing opener while confirming that he will open the innings didn’t say much about the bowling combination and if they are going to play two spinners. Rahul said that the pitch at the Boland Park did look like it could offer some assistance to the spinners, however, didn’t utter much about the whole combination.

“We have quality spinners, Ashwin has come back into the team and we know what quality he brings. Chahal has been doing well, hence they become really important for us,” he said.