India is determined to make a strong start to their home Test season and will not view their two-match series with Bangladesh merely as preparation for their tour of Australia later this year, skipper Rohit Sharma stated on Tuesday.
Rohit's team kicks off a busy schedule with the opening match against Bangladesh on Thursday, followed by hosting New Zealand for three games and then heading to Australia in November for five more Tests.
"Every game is crucial when representing the country," Rohit told reporters in Chennai. "This is not a dress rehearsal for the Australia series. There are World Test Championship points at stake, and we need to start the season on a high note." The emphasis is on winning the Bangladesh series rather than looking too far ahead.
India last lost a home Test series in 2012 when they fell 2-1 to England and have since won 17 consecutive series, losing only four out of 51 matches. However, Rohit cautioned his players against complacency.
"We're resuming after a long break," added Rohit, whose side completed a 4-1 win over England in March. "When the series begins, we need to assess our position and take it from there."
Rohit expressed his support for batsman KL Rahul, who scored 86 and 22 in the first match against England in January but missed the rest of the series due to injury.
"Everyone knows the quality Rahul possesses. We want him to play all the games to bring out the best in him," he added. "Unfortunately, he got injured after Hyderabad and didn't play afterwards. I hope he picks up where he left off. I don't see any reason why he can't excel in Test cricket."
