Best chance to win a Test series in SA: Rahane

India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane believes the current team has the best chance of winning a Test series in South Africa and said the visitors would look to give their best when the tour begins next month.

"We do have the best chance to win the series. But we feel that we are just looking to play good cricket, it is all about giving your best. We can't take any session lightly. We are ready for the challenge," Rahane told a television channel on Tuesday.

"South Africa is a very good team. They have a very good attack, where they know their conditions really well. So we don't want to take them lightly, but at the same time, we want to give our best and express ourself. I think the first match will be crucial," he added.

India will play three Tests, six ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals in South Africa. The first Test begins in Cape Town on January 5.

Rahane said his side were confident of  maintaining the number one ranking in Test with India playing against England, New Zealand and Australia.

"As a team we are confident as a team, it is all about giving best in particular series. We are playing England, New Zealand, Australia in the near future but right now we are focussing on South Africa," he said.

India will be taking a few 'net' bowlers to help them prepare ahead of the Test series and Rahane praised the decision of the team management.

"It's a good decision the management has taken. We are going to have some good 'net' sessions and that will be quality practice. Preparing well actually matters a lot in Test cricket," he said.

"The good thing about this is we have got good quality of bowlers. Since they have done well in domestic cricket, it's better to face them."