IND vs BAN: India’s cricket captain, Rohit Sharma, spoke to the media in preparation for the first Test match against Bangladesh, which is scheduled to start on Thursday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. This eagerly awaited series marks Team India’s return to international cricket following a 45-day hiatus.
In contrast, Bangladesh arrives with confidence after securing a 2-0 Test series victory against Pakistan. However, competing in India poses a significant challenge for Bangladesh, particularly as Rohit Sharma and his team currently sit at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table.
Rohit Sharma is fully aware of the challenges posed by Bangladesh but maintained a composed stance when asked about their recent performance. He stressed that Team India’s main priority is their own play, rather than being swayed by the opposition’s achievements.
“Let them enjoy their success; our focus is on how we can secure a win. That’s our objective. We’re not preoccupied with their opinions or thoughts about us. When England toured here, they had plenty to say, but we didn’t let that distract us. Our aim was to perform on the field, and that will remain unchanged. We’re here to play quality cricket and achieve victory. India has faced many strong teams lately, and our collective goal is to come out on top, rather than overanalyzing the opposition,” Rohit remarked in the pre-match press conference.
On the other hand, Bangladesh’s head coach, Chandika Hathurusingha, acknowledged the significant challenge posed by playing against India. He believes this series will offer his team valuable insights into their position on the international stage. While Bangladesh’s recent successes have been encouraging, they will face a true test against the world’s top-ranked side.
“We’re excited to compete against the best team in the world. Coming to India and facing them is one of the greatest challenges in cricket today. Playing against the best provides a clear understanding of where you stand, and as sports professionals, that’s something we always look forward to,” said Hathurusingha, a former Sri Lankan all-rounder who took on the role of Bangladesh’s head coach early last year.
Hathurusingha’s comments reflect Bangladesh’s realistic approach to the series. Although their victory against Pakistan has boosted their confidence, the coach emphasized that the team is aware of both its strengths and weaknesses. He believes the series against India will serve as a true measure of the team’s capabilities in the longer format of the game.
When asked if the recent whitewash of Pakistan has added pressure to the Bangladesh side, Hathurusingha clarified that while the wins have certainly lifted the team’s morale, there is a shared understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. He downplayed any additional pressure, focusing instead on the importance of performing to their potential.
Following the two-Test series, Bangladesh will also face India in a three-match T20I series starting on October 6, further intensifying the cricketing rivalry between the two nations.
As the series opener approaches, both teams are prepared for a competitive contest. India, playing at home and led by the experienced Rohit Sharma, will aim to solidify their position at the top of the WTC standings. Meanwhile, under Hathurusingha’s guidance, Bangladesh views this as an opportunity to challenge themselves against one of the strongest teams in the world, seeking to push their limits and assess their international standing.
