After a brilliant run at home in 2017, the New Year hasn't been too kind to the Indian cricket team. The Virat Kohli brigade lost the three-match Test series 1-2 against a rampant South African side. Whether it was the lack of application by their batsmen or questionable team selections, it's safe to say that the world no. 1 Test side missed a trick or two away from home.

But, while Team India lost the series and appeared down and out, they are definitely not dead and buried. Their hard-fought triumph on a fire-breathing Wanderer's track in the third Test showed their character and gave them a much-needed momentum going into the six-match ODI series.

© BCCL

More importantly, we've got Mahendra Singh Dhoni now. The 35-year-old might not be the finisher he once was for India, but there is little doubt over the kind of expertise he brings to the table, especially in the alien conditions. Forget about his contribution with the willow, his presence on the field is itself a luxury not many international teams have.

And, promising a strong Team India comeback, the latest video of the Jharkhand cricketer would surely cheer up the Indian cricket fans. In a bid to change India's fortunes in the Rainbow Nation, the former Indian captain showed great intensity while knocking the ball around in the gruelling net session.

When @msdhoni has a go at the nets #TeamIndia #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/ex3mTby1Gb

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also shared the video on its official twitter handle. "When @msdhoni has a go at the nets #TeamIndia #SAvIND," the tweet read.

Interestingly, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has challenged the Indian team to change their record in ODIs in the Rainbow Nation. But he was quick to add that this Indian team does have the talent to change the record.

© BCCL

"I think it (the poor record) tells a story. It means that there is something difficult for touring teams to come here and get accustomed to. But as I mentioned before the Test series, I feel like this Indian cricket team has got the names on paper to challenge that and get some victories in South Africa.

"They have proved that in the Test series and they are a quality team. So I expect the same (challenge and intensity) in the ODIs coming up," said du Plessis on Wednesday.