KL Rahul is relishing the opportunity to lead India in their upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa.

The batter stepped into the role as Shubman Gill continues to recover from a neck injury he suffered during their 2-0 Test series defeat to the Proteas.

India have won five of their last six men's ODIs against South Africa, including each of their last three such games played on home soil.

In fact, the Men in Blue won their only previous encounter to have taken place in Ranchi, where the first ODI will take place on Sunday, during that run (by seven wickets in October 2022).

India have also won eight of their last nine men's ODI matches while being captained by Rahul, including a 78-run victory over South Africa in their most recent such game (in Paarl on 21 December 2023).

Rahul revealed his excitement at being able to lead his country again in the format and will use the experience of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja to his advantage.

"Just a day before the announcement, I was told that the opportunity might come, and I might have to lead," said Rahul.

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"I have captained the side before. It is something that is very exciting. I look forward to enjoying that responsibility. I have always enjoyed responsibility, making the right decisions for the team. That's about it. I don't think too much about it.

"I obviously have Rohit [Sharma], Virat [Kohli], Jaddu [Ravindra Jadeja], all the senior players around me who will help out.

"How we have all played our cricket is to think of it as we are all leaders, and we try and do the best for the team. That continues whether I am captain or someone else is captain.

"It is always a collective effort to doing something in the direction of a bigger goal."