India vs South Africa 2015: Captains Kohli, Dhoni always put team first, says Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has been receiving huge applause for his skills with the willow, so much so, former Australian captain Steve Waugh even compared him with one of the legends of the game, Sachin Tendulkar.

Rahane might not have a permanent batting position in the Indian team, but he has delivered more often than not. However, his biggest test is going to be against South Africa with the series starting on October.

Rahane is excited to play against South Africa at home. "Excited, that we'll be playing at home after almost a year. We respect South Africa and are aware that starting the T20Is and the ODIs, which precede the four Tests, will be very important," Rahane told The Telegraph in an interview.

India's performance has been decent in all formats of the game. At present, India have different captains for Tests (Virat Kohli) and the ODI, T20 side( MS Dhoni ). Both the captains may have contrasting approach towards their game, but have a common desire to emerge victorious.

Rahane feels there are a lot of things common between MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli including great leadership qualities.

"I see a lot in common... Both have very good leadership qualities. Also, both have a common goal: To help take India forward. For both, the team comes first. That's the way it should be," said the elegant batsman.

Rahane believes starting the series on the right note is going to be critical during the tour. "From the team's perspective, I'd say momentum, which is why starting well is so critical. From the point of view of individual players, what matters the most is staying in the moment, staying in the present. I live in the present, stay in the moment," said Rahane.

India will kickstart the tour with the first T20 match at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on 2 October.