India vs Bangladesh: "Don't See Any Reason Why" - Skipper Rohit Sharma Backs KL Rahul to Flourish in Tests

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Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has backed KL Rahul to flourish in Test cricket, saying the Karnataka batter has got the "quality and talent" to succeed in the longest format ahead of the Test series opener against Bangladesh.

Rahul returned to the Test set up after missing the final four matches of the home series against England earlier this year through injury. The expectation was for Rahul to compete for a spot in the playing 11 with Sarfaraz Khan.

However, Rohit has hinted that Rahul will be one of the picks in the team as the team management wants him to play all games and it is crucial for him to understand how he wants to take his career forward.

"There are handful of people in world cricket who had a smooth ride. Handful of cricketers had no issues all their life, it was all good. Everyone has an up and down career. Best thing to do is to understand yourself, expectations from yourself and what's needed for the team.

"The kind of quality KL Rahul has, everybody knows. The message to him from our side was we want him to play all the game and bring the best out of him. It's important to give him a clear message that what he need from him," Rohit said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the 1st Test, scheduled to start on Thursday (September 19).

Rohit also recalled how Rahul had done well in the longest format until he got injured and missed the last few games. The skipper added that he doesn't see a reason why Rahul can't flourish in Tests.

"He was done well since comeback - scored hundred against South Africa. Unfortunately got injured after Hyderabad, didn't play afterwards. I hope he continues from where he left in Hyderabad. I don't see any reason why he can't flourish in Test cricket. Opportunities are there. Important for him to understand how he wants to take his career forward," he added.

Rahul, who returned to the national side during the tour to Sri Lanka, played for India A in the first round of Duleep Trophy, where he made scores of 37 and 57 against India B in a losing cause before the squad for the Test series was announced.

In 50 Tests so far, Rahul has amassed 2863 runs including 8 centuries and 14 fifties from 86 innings. Sarfaraz, who made his debut in the England series, has scored 200 runs, including 3 fifties from 5 innings so far.