Dhoni advises teammates to follow Dravid's mantra of aggression

India's limited overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has called on his team mates to follow former skipper Rahul Dravid's formula of aggression in the upcoming lengthy home series against South Africa.

"Aggression doesn't mean a verbal or physical confrontation in sports. If we talk about Dravid, he once said that a good forward defence to a very quick fast bowler is an aggressive play. So that is something which is very important," Dhoni told reporters ahead of the first T20 international of the three-match series.

The 34-year-old maintained that they want to play aggressive brand of cricket but within the guidelines and said that they would have to make sure that there is no disciplinary action on anyone.

"Our guys are gradually learning how to manage their aggression and channelize it (into performance). It is good to be aggressive but at the same time we have to follow the guidelines," he added.

Indian cricket team have witnessed a surge in aggressive form of cricket following Virat Kohli's elevation as Test captain, while pace spearhead Ishant Sharma was handed a one-Test suspension after his run-ins with the Sri Lankan batsmen during the final Test match against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

The hosts will also play five one-day matches before starting a four-Test series against South Africa on November 5.