Calcutta: Head coach Ravi Shastri seemed highly confident of India's prospects in their much-awaited tour of South Africa.

"That's (the tour of South Africa) the challenge. In your playing career if you are not up for challenges, it's no fun then.

"It should be a good series... Will be a well-contested series... I believe this is a side which can compete anywhere in the world," Shastri told official broadcasters after India's five-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I at the Wankhede on Sunday.

What pleased Shastri is the positive attitude shown by almost everyone in the side. "We respect oppositions and when you do that, you stay grounded.

The intent was there from everyone, which was nice to see," he said.

Shastri was also effusive in his praise for Jaydev Unadkat and Lokesh Rahul. "He (Unadkat) has shown very good variations.

"He's been around for five-six years now and he's evolved beautifully. He understands his bowling, which is so important.

"As for Rahul, he is a class player. He's got time and he plays all the shots. For me, he's the most improved player in world cricket in the last 18-20 months," Shastri said.