Rohit Sharma cautions Bangladesh ahead of the Test series

After beating Pakistan 2-0 on their home turf, Bangladesh captain Najmul Shanto expressed confidence in doing well against India in the two-match Test series, slated to begin on September 19. Speaking on the same, India captain Rohit Sharma joked that every team expresses confidence in beating India in red-ball cricket but in reality, it does not happen, especially playing on the subcontinent surfaces.

Rohit cited the example of England as they toured India earlier in the year. Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, England was optimistic of beating India in the five-match Test series but the hosts managed to win it 4-1. Ahead of the Bangladesh series, the India captain is not much worried about what the visitors are saying but is keeping his focus on playing good cricket and winning the series to solidify India’s WTC standing.

“Sab team ko India ko harana mein maza aata hain, maza lene do unhe (all teams like to beat India, let them enjoy). When England came they also spoke a lot in the press, but we don’t focus on that. We try to play good cricket,” Rohit said in the press conference.

Don’t see any reason why KL Rahul can’t flourish in Tests: Rohit

Senior batter KL Rahul will be coming back into the Test side in the series against Bangladesh. He was brilliant for India in the series against South Africa and played a vital knock against England earlier in the year before a quadriceps injury ruled him out for the last four games.

In Rahul’s absence, Sarfaraz Khan performed well and was thought to be Rahul’s permanent replacement in the Test squad. However, Rohit has backed Rahul and indicated that he is part of the longer plans.

“We all know the quality of Rahul, he has got the talent – it’s important we give clear message – since he cameback, he scored a Hundred in South Africa, 80+ in Hyderabad then unfortunately got injured – I don’t see any reason why he can’t flourish in Tests,” Rohit said.