Team India will start their South Africa sojourn in Cape Town with the first Test scheduled to be played on January 5. India’s senior spinners Jadeja and Ashwin, who recently found themselves out of favour in the limited-overs format, are part of the Test squad and will want to continue their brilliant run in Tests. Jadeja, who has played 35 Tests in his career, has appeared in 10 away Tests so far and claimed 34 wickets and among that the left-arm spinner played only one match in South Africa in 2013 and grabbed six wickets. On the other hand, Ashwin has played 55 Tests for India since 2011 and crossed 300-wicket mark recently. The off-spinner has played only one match in South Africa where he went wicketless. India’s Test vice-captain Rahane suggested both the players that if they change their style according to the South African pitches it will definitely work in the team's favour. 

After Anil Kumble’s resignation from the post of Team India’s head coach, Shastri took over the responsibility and will continue till the 2019 World Cup. Shastri, who previously was the director of the team, always tried to maintain a good relationship with the players and guided them during their up and downs. Rahane praised his contribution in bringing the team together along with Virat Kohli.

Under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, the Indian cricket team have had a brilliant home run and they also managed to equal Australia's record of nine consecutive Test series wins. In all these incredible run, all the players - experienced or a rookie - played their role better and Rahane explained that Kohli is the guy who is always there to support the players in any situation which works as motivation for them.

“About Virat, as I already mentioned. Virat is a guy, who backs each and every player, he supports everyone. A word from him is always like, go and play yourself, bat yourself, I am there to support you all, don’t you worry about your performances, results…everything will be take care.”