Indian skipper Virat Kohli decided to drop vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, India's most averaging batsman overseas, in first two Tests against Proteas. The visitors lost both the Tests, though Ajinkya Rahane returned in the third match to help India claim a consolation victory.

Although India vice-captain Rahane contributed with 9 runs and incredible innings of 48 runs in the successive innings of the Test match against South Africa, his presence gave India a boost on a tough wicket which led team India to emerge victorious. He established two vital partnerships stands with Virat Kohli 41 runs and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with 33 runs to guide India to a 63-run win. The 29-year-old batsman from Maharashtra revealed what all he and captain Kohli discuss when they bat or field together. "We enjoy each other’s company on the field, whether we bat together or stand in the slips. We discuss a lot of cricket, talk about our plans and goals during partnerships," Rahane statement.

"We were enjoying ourselves during that partnership. We were trying to be positive from the word go. Surviving was not an option there. Our mindset changed during that partnership. After that, Bhuvi and I got some runs. That changed the game and got the momentum going for us," he added. Even though Rahane denied commenting on his contribution in the team selection, he explained whatever they decide as vice-captain or captain, it’s for the good of the team.