Tue Sep 17 16:43:57 UTC 2024: ## India Captain Rohit Sharma Plays Down Bangladesh Threat, Eyes World Test Championship Dominance
**Chennai, India:** India captain Rohit Sharma, back in the spotlight after a month-long break, dismissed the threat posed by Bangladesh ahead of their upcoming Test series, emphasizing his team’s focus on winning all 10 remaining matches in the World Test Championship.
Speaking at his first press conference since the T20 World Cup, Sharma remained characteristically relaxed, even when questioned about Bangladesh’s recent historic 2-0 series victory over Pakistan.
“Every team wants to beat India,” Sharma said, “Mazze lene do unko (Let them [Bangladesh] have fun). We need to win the match, that’s what we’re here for.”
He further emphasized that India’s focus remains on the larger goal of reaching the World Test Championship final for a third consecutive time. “All that matters are the next 10 Test matches, the ambition to win them all,” he stated.
Despite missing the last series against Bangladesh due to injury, Sharma dismissed the notion of the upcoming matches being mere “dress rehearsals,” stating that every Test match is crucial for the team’s WTC aspirations.
The captain acknowledged the challenges of returning to Test cricket after a long break, but expressed confidence in his team’s experience and preparation. He also stressed that the team’s focus remains on winning, regardless of the recent T20 World Cup triumph.
“It’s always tough to come back after a break,” Rohit conceded, “But people are experienced in the sense that they know how to manage themselves well. And guys who haven’t played much Test cricket have played in the Duleep Trophy. So, in terms of preparation, we are ready for the game.”
The India-Bangladesh series, starting Thursday, marks the beginning of a busy period for India, with a subsequent Test series against New Zealand scheduled for next month. While Bangladesh has never defeated India in a Test match, their confidence after the Pakistan series makes them a potential threat.
However, Rohit Sharma’s calm demeanor and clear focus on the bigger picture suggest that the Indian team is well-prepared to face the challenge and continue their quest for World Test Championship dominance.
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