India vs South Africa: Ravi Shastri Cautions Proteas Ahead of ODI Series

Ravi Shastri, Indian cricket team director, cautioned South Africa ahead of the five-match ODI series, saying that the hosts would be a far better side in the 50-over format. (India will fight back hard in ODI series: JP Duminy)

"We have had a good look in the two games and know what we can expect of the South Africans. In the one-day competition we understand our game well. We are a far better side in the one-dayers and I expect very good contest over the next month," he said. (Russell Domingo wary of R. Ashwin in ODI series)

Shastri further said they are trying to unburden Mahendra Singh Dhoni as it is important to get the skipper back in his elements.

"That will be our endeavour. We know what he can do when he starts striking. The world knows, I don't have to say anything," he said.

With six months to go for the World Twenty20, Shastri said form will be crucial to get a place in the team for the showpiece event.

"There is plenty of One-Day cricket coming up. Whole of December till January. We have some Twenty20 Internationals in Australia and then Sri Lanka are coming to India. There is Asia Cup. A lot of Twenty20 cricket will be played. It's a great opportunity to throw the hat into the ring. It could be young or old or anybody, but form will be crucial," the team director said.

With India struggling in Twenty20s, Shastri stressed on the importance to strike the right balance in all the three formats of the game.

"As cricket goes forward and Twenty20 has to survive, you have to strike the right balance. If you see the amount of bilateral series India has played in Twenty20 is much less than anyone in the world.

"The last time we played was a one-off Twenty20 game when I had taken over the team (India played two T20Is in Zimbabwe after that but Shastri didn't travel for the tour)," he said.

"One year down the line and we have just two more matches. It's not the fault of the Board (BCCI). There is so much of other cricket being played. Going into the future, when you are trying to balance things it might be the way forward. Like in Australia, there are five ODIs and then we play three Twenty20s. Then Sri Lanka come for three matches, and I don't know where the Asia Cup will be played, but the conditions will be similar," Shastri said.

Asked whether India was holding Amit Mishra for bigger assignments, Shastri said: "There is a lot of cricket being played, so you have to use your bowlers sparingly and see where they can give you the maximum profit, if they play. The amount of cricket that is being played, you need to take care of your bowler as well."

Dhoni talked about someone taking up the responsibility at No. 6 slot and Shastri too said that the batting position is of great importance.

"We are very keen to see the December month when all the One-Day competitions are scheduled. The No.6 position has a different role in 50-over cricket, but an extremely important role in T20 cricket. The team that goes on to win the World T20, you will see the their No.6 batsman could be a very crucial player. The whole December and January month will be watched closely," he concluded.