One of the most anticipated series of recent times -- India vs South Africa -- is just a few days away with the first T20 match set to be played in Dharamsala on 2 October. South Africa face India in 3 T20s, 5 ODIs and 4 Test matches in the next two months.
The Proteas have three separate captains in the series, with Hashim Amla (Test side), Du Plessis (T20) and AB de Villiers (ODI), while MS Dhoni will skipper India in coloured clothing, with Virat Kohli taking the reigns in the Test format.
The India team have shown good form under the leadership of Kohli, who took over the reins of the Test side after Dhoni retired from the longest format of the game late last year.
Kohli, who is also known for his aggression on the field, apart from his batting skills, helped India defeat Sri Lanka after a gap of 22 years, and Du Plessis expects an aggressive approach from the Test captain.
"I think especially Virat, who is aggressive and in your face, has demanded that sort of thing from his players. We will see more of that in the Tests," iol.co.za quoted Du Plessis as saying.
"Usually, the Indians are quite relaxed and smile a lot and only start talking when their spinners are bowling, as they have a lot of fielders around the bat.
"It's a new phase of Indian cricket. We understand they will be aggressive. It won't be easy. But we've got a few guys who can do a bit of that as well."
However, South Africa have received a major setback with David Wiese ruled out of the series after breaking his hand in the Africa T20 Cup. Apart from Wiese, the South African team, who landed in Delhi on Sunday, resemble a strong squad. Wiese will be replaced by Albie Morkel.
"I suppose David's bowling is going to be missed the most," said du Plessis. "He's been a banker for me as captain because you know what you're going to get from him. He's very clever in the middle overs," said the T20 skipper.
Morkel is a good replacement for Wiese as the former is a dangerous all-rounder, as has been witnessed in the IPL. His years of experience of playing in the IPL should help the visitors.
"I suppose from Albie's perspective, he might have thought his time is up. But he is getting another opportunity because he is a quality player," du Plessis added.
"For him, it's important to stake a claim and though he wasn't originally in our plans, he gets a chance to make it once again."
