MS Dhoni, Faf du Plessis looks forward to the ODI series between India and South Africa

Dhoni believes toss will have a crucial bearing on the outcome of the match

MS Dhoni said that toss could be a crucial factor in the ODI series against South Africa and expressed hope that the pitches will not have too much grass cover, IBN Live reports. Faf du Plessis, who led the South African side to victory in the just concluded T20 series, meanwhile, is confident that the confidence gained by that triumph will boost their chances in the ODI series.

Speaking to journalists after the match was abandoned, the Indian skipper expressed disappointment at how the rain had spoiled his plans to test out some players in the match, with the series already wrapped up by the visitors, after victories in the first two T20s.

"We wanted to make a few changes in the side. We wanted to change the batting order. It's sad that we were not able to play,” Dhoni said. "Three changes, we were planning to make -- Jinks (Ajinkya Rahane) was supposed to open, (Suresh) Raina to bat at No. 3 and (Amit) Mishra and (Stuart) Binny would have played. We wanted to see what really would have been best for us."

The 34-year-old also revealed his frustrations at how the match at the iconic Eden Gardens had to be called off without a bowl being bowled.

“This is one venue where you really want to play. Don't want to come here and then not play a game. I played here a lot to know that outfield wouldn't change a lot. There was no sun. The rain was a lot too, even if it was only an hour," he said.

Looking ahead to the ODI series, Dhoni urged the pitch curators to do away with any grass covering as it will hamper India’s spinners. He also talked about how the toss could be a crucial factor in deciding the outcome of the match.

"Don't want a lot of grass cover. It is also difficult for the spinners with dew as well,” Dhoni said. “The ODIs will be good, but again a lot will depend on the kind of venues and the toss as well. Kanpur being one of them. Dew is always a factor, once you play after September."

Faf du Plessis delighted with T20 series victory

JP Duminy came in for special praise from his T20 skipper, Faf du Plessis

South African T20 skipper Faf du Plessis, though disappointed with the final match being washed out, expressed his satisfaction at beating India in the T20 series.

“Disappointing, the rain played a huge role today. The players safety is quite important on such a long tour. I think it's really important to acknowledge how hard it is to come to India and win a series," Du Plessis said."We will take a lot of confidence going into the ODIs. We are very fortunate to have great leaders in our team. Myself, Hashim and AB (de Villers) work really well together. We rely heavily on each other."

Looking back on the best performers from the two matches, Du Plessis singled out JP Duminy, whose 34-ball 68 helped South Africa chase down the target of 200 in the 1^st T20 at Dharamsala, and youngster Kagiso Rabada, who troubled the Indian batsmen with his pace and bounce in the 2^nd T20 at Cuttack, for special praise.

"JP (Duminy) did really well. Kagiso (Rabada) was fantastic as well, especially in the second game. The standout for me were the four seamers. I think in the first game, they got off to a great start, we pulled it back and then JP took over. But in the second game, to bowl India out for 90-odd, that doesn't happen a lot," he said.

Du Plessis, who will step aside as skipper with AB de Villiers handling the reigns in the ODI format, though conceded that India will be roaring to get back at them in the upcoming series.

"We need to be wary," remarked Du Plessis.