Sept 17 (Askume) – Captain Rohit Sharma said on Tuesday that India are focused on making a strong start to the home Test season and will not take the two-match series against Bangladesh later this year for granted just because it is time to prepare for the trip to Australia.
Rohit’s side begin a busy schedule with the opening match against Bangladesh on Thursday before hosting New Zealand in three matches before travelling to Australia for five Tests in November.
“When you play for the national team, every game is important,” Rohit told reporters in Chennai.
“This is not a dress rehearsal for the Australia series. World Test Championship points are at stake and we need to start the new season in a good position.
“The focus is on winning the Bangladesh series and not thinking too far ahead.”
India last lost a home Test series in 2012 when they went down 1-2 to England and since then they have won 17 consecutive series and lost just four in 51 matches, but Rohit said his players cannot be complacent.
“We started playing again after a long time,” said Rohit, whose team beat England 4-1 in March.
“When it (series) starts, we have to see where we stand and act from there.”
Rohit extended his full support to batsman KL Rahul, who scored 86 and 22 in the first game against England in January but missed the rest of the series due to injury.
He said, “Everyone knows what Rahul is capable of doing. We want him to play all the matches and give his best.”
“Unfortunately, he got injured after the Hyderabad match and did not play after that. I hope he can continue playing. I see no reason why he cannot shine in Test cricket.”
