Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been rested for the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour.
On the eve of the opening ODI, stand-in skipper KL Rahul addressed a press conference, where he acknowledged that One Day Internationals currently hold the least priority among formats despite the recently concluded 50-over World Cup.
While the Indian team intends to play the same brand of cricket they displayed during the World Cup, Rahul highlighted the challenge for youngsters to replicate the roles played by star batters like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
"I don't think a lot will change in terms of how we want to play ODIs, but can't expect a newcomer to go out and play the role of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played in the World Cup," Rahul told reporters.
"It will be too soon, and you have to give them time to adjust, and there will be no pressure from my side."
Rahul admitted that the team is in the early stages of transitioning. "I think it's too early to look at the bigger picture as far as ODI cricket is concerned. The focus is on the T20 World Cup, which is around the corner, and there isn't a lot of cricket left in terms of the Indian team, so the focus has shifted a little bit," he remarked.
Rahul is open to playing the role of wicketkeeper in Tests during the upcoming Test series against South Africa.
"If that's the role the management sees me during Test matches, [I am] happy to do that," he stated.
After the ODI series, India will play two Tests on the tour of South Africa. While Centurion will host the opening Test from December 26 to December 30, the second Test will be played in Cape Town from January 3 to January 7.
(With PTI Inputs)