Durban - Graeme Smith has said he'd like to finish "on a good note" when he leads the Proteas for the last time in one day internationals.
The Proteas' five-match contest against India, which begins on Wednesday, is also crucial, final preparation for both teams for next month's World Cup.
Smith, who will step down from the one-day captaincy after the World Cup, says some players are playing for spots at the World Cup, claiming, "It adds extra incentive to the series."
South Africa is likely to try out new players such as Pakistan-born legspinner Imran Tahir and batting allrounder Faf du Plessis.
Smith says "the key" will be finding "the right combination" of players.