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India captain Rohit Sharma stated on Tuesday that the team is focused on making a strong start to their home Test season and is not treating the two-match series against Bangladesh as mere preparation for their upcoming tour of Australia later this year.

India’s schedule kicks off with the first Test against Bangladesh on Thursday, followed by a three-match series against New Zealand. In November, India will travel to Australia for a five-match Test series.

"Every game is important while playing for the country. It's 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.The focus is on winning the Bangladesh series rather than looking too far ahead." Rohit told reporters in Chennai.

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, but Rohit said his players cannot get complacent.

"We're resuming after a long time," added Rohit, whose side completed a 4-1 win over England in March. When it (the series) starts, we have to see where we stand and take it from there."

Rohit threw his weight behind batsman KL Rahul, who made 86 and 22 in the first match against England in January but missed the rest of the series with injury.

"Everybody knows the quality Rahul has. We want him to play all the games to bring the best out of him. Unfortunately, he got injured after Hyderabad and didn't play afterwards. I hope he continues from where he left off. I don't see any reason why he can't flourish in test cricket." he added