The upcoming series between India and Bangladesh is part of the WTC. The hosts occupy the number one spot with 68.52 percent after winning six of the nine matches so far. They finished runners-up in the last two editions of the WTC after losing to New Zealand and Australia in the finals, respectively. Victory in the home series will further cement their top spot before playing a combined eight Tests against New Zealand (home) and Australia (away).
On the other hand, Bangladesh is fourth in the table with 45.83 per cent after three wins in six Tests.
“Every game we play is important. There is no dress rehearsal here (in the context of the Bangladesh series). Each match becomes important because of what is at stake. WTC. The (ranking) table is still quite open. And every match is important," Rohit said at Tuesday's press conference.
“We have to focus on how we can win this series and this test. Instead of looking too far ahead," he added.
Wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul returned to the Test setup after an injury ruled him out of the England Test series midway. Skipper backed Rahul's inclusion and wants him to play to his potential in the red-ball format.
Rahul has a mediocre Test average of 34.08 compared to 49.15 and 37.75 in ODIs and T20Is respectively.
“Everyone has an up-and-down career. The kind of quality that KL Rahul has, everyone knows it. The message from our side to him was that we want him to play every match and bring out the best in him,” Rohit said.
“He has done well lately, he scored a hundred against South Africa. He scored a good knock in Hyderabad but unfortunately got injured. I hope he picks up from where he left off in Hyderabad. I see no reason why he can't thrive in Test cricket. The opportunities are there. "It's important for him to understand how he wants to advance his career," he added.
Commenting on India's busy Test schedule, Rohit reaffirmed his stance on managing the workload of top pacers including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as they have impressive young talents to fill.
For the first Test against Bangladesh, India called up national pacer Yash Dayal while Akash Deep retained his place in the Test side.
“You want the best players to play every game, but that is not possible. You have to see what is best for the team and manage your players accordingly. We will monitor that for our bowlers. We managed to do that in the England series. We have rest for Bumrah and Siraj,” Rohit said.
“So, we will continue to evaluate them. You want everyone to play every game, but it's not in our hands. We saw interesting prospects in Duleep Trophy. “I’m not too worried about the type of players waiting in the wings,” he added.
The opening batsman praised the young troika of batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, who started their Test careers on a high.
“They have everything it takes to be a standout player for India in all three forms. Over time, we will have to nourish and prepare them well. They are very hungry for success and to play for India," Rohit said.
“Jaiswal had a great series at home the last time we played. Jurel also showed what he is capable of with the bat. Get the difficult races. Sarfaraz too, without fear, without worrying too much about what is happening outside. You need all types of players who are brave, cautious and also responsible. We have that mix of everything and it's a good sign," he added.
The first Test between India and Bangladesh will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Thursday.
On the other hand, Bangladesh is fourth in the table with 45.83 per cent after three wins in six Tests.
“Every game we play is important. There is no dress rehearsal here (in the context of the Bangladesh series). Each match becomes important because of what is at stake. WTC. The (ranking) table is still quite open. And every match is important," Rohit said at Tuesday's press conference.
“We have to focus on how we can win this series and this test. Instead of looking too far ahead," he added.
Wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul returned to the Test setup after an injury ruled him out of the England Test series midway. Skipper backed Rahul's inclusion and wants him to play to his potential in the red-ball format.
Rahul has a mediocre Test average of 34.08 compared to 49.15 and 37.75 in ODIs and T20Is respectively.
“Everyone has an up-and-down career. The kind of quality that KL Rahul has, everyone knows it. The message from our side to him was that we want him to play every match and bring out the best in him,” Rohit said.
“He has done well lately, he scored a hundred against South Africa. He scored a good knock in Hyderabad but unfortunately got injured. I hope he picks up from where he left off in Hyderabad. I see no reason why he can't thrive in Test cricket. The opportunities are there. "It's important for him to understand how he wants to advance his career," he added.
Commenting on India's busy Test schedule, Rohit reaffirmed his stance on managing the workload of top pacers including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as they have impressive young talents to fill.
For the first Test against Bangladesh, India called up national pacer Yash Dayal while Akash Deep retained his place in the Test side.
“You want the best players to play every game, but that is not possible. You have to see what is best for the team and manage your players accordingly. We will monitor that for our bowlers. We managed to do that in the England series. We have rest for Bumrah and Siraj,” Rohit said.
“So, we will continue to evaluate them. You want everyone to play every game, but it's not in our hands. We saw interesting prospects in Duleep Trophy. “I’m not too worried about the type of players waiting in the wings,” he added.
The opening batsman praised the young troika of batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, who started their Test careers on a high.
“They have everything it takes to be a standout player for India in all three forms. Over time, we will have to nourish and prepare them well. They are very hungry for success and to play for India," Rohit said.
“Jaiswal had a great series at home the last time we played. Jurel also showed what he is capable of with the bat. Get the difficult races. Sarfaraz too, without fear, without worrying too much about what is happening outside. You need all types of players who are brave, cautious and also responsible. We have that mix of everything and it's a good sign," he added.
The first Test between India and Bangladesh will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from Thursday.