Ajinkya Rahane has spoken on Rohit Sharma's appointment as India's Test vice-captain ahead of the South Africa tour. Unfortunately, Rohit couldn't be part of the tour due to injury and later KL Rahul had replaced him.

Rahane, in a chat with Times of India, revealed that replacing him as the team's vice-captain with Rohit was the selectors' decision. He said the Chetan Sharma-led selection committee took the call on its own without talking to him, but he respects the decision.

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"That was entirely the selectors' decision (making Rohit the vice-captain). Nothing was in my control. I respect that decision. Rohit is doing really well and he is leading the team really well. I was happy for Rohit. He played a lot of cricket to get there. We are good friends too. I am really happy for Rohit. 

"I don't think about something that is not in my control. It was the selectors' call. Selectors made me the vice-captain and they made me the captain too. Making Rohit the vice-captain was their decision and I completely respect that," said Rahane.

The 33-year-old isn't much vocal but he doesn't want people to take him for granted. He said the most important thing for him is his performance and finding a way to contribute the best to the team.

"I don't express too much. I respect the team environment. But again, that doesn't mean one should take things for granted. For me, the most important thing is performance, how can I give my best for the team, how can I respect the team's environment. Those are the things I always value," he said.

The senior India batter is named in Mumbai's Ranji Trophy squad for the upcoming season. Mumbai have been placed in Elite Group D along with Saurashtra, Odisha and Goa.

(With TOI Inputs)