India captain Rohit Sharma addressed the media in Chennai on Tuesday ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh, set to begin on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Team India returns to action after a 45-day break, while Bangladesh comes into the series on a high, following their impressive 2-0 away Test series win against Pakistan. However, they face a different challenge in India, as Rohit and his squad currently top the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table.
Rohit Sharma is well aware of the threat that Bangladesh poses, but he remained calm and confident when asked about their recent form. His response was measured, focusing more on India’s own approach rather than the opposition’s mindset.
“Sabhi teamo ko India ko harana hai, unhe India ko harane me maza ata hai, maze lene do unko (Let them have fun trying to beat India). We will focus on how to beat them. We need to win the match, and that’s what we are here for. We can’t think about what they have to say or think about us,” Rohit Sharma said during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Recalls Ravi Shastri’s Role In Boosting Team Morale After 36 All-Out
He further added, “When England came here, they said a lot of things too. But we didn’t focus much on it. We needed to deliver results, and that will be our aim here as well – to play good cricket. India has played against many teams recently, and our collective goal is to win, rather than dwell on the opposition.”
On the other hand, Bangladesh head coach Chandika Hathurusingha acknowledged the formidable challenge of facing India on their home turf, viewing it as a crucial test for his side.
“We are encouraged by playing the best team in the world, and coming to India to play against them is the best challenge you get nowadays. Playing against the best always gives you a perspective on where you stand, and as sportspersons, we always look forward to it,” said Hathurusingha, who took charge as Bangladesh coach last year.
ALSO READ: Yashasvi Jaiswal Receives Guidance From Virat Kohli And Gautam Gambhir
Following the two-Test series, Bangladesh will also compete in a three-match T20I series starting October 6. Hathurusingha added that while the recent Test series win over Pakistan had boosted their confidence, his team is aware of its strengths and weaknesses heading into the series against India.
