“I don’t think we are unbeatable at home, have to play well to win against England”, says Rohit Sharma ahead IND vs ENG Test Series.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad is bracing itself for the inaugural Test of the five-match series between India and England, commencing on Thursday, January 25.

Despite England’s adoption of the Bazball approach, a daring strategy to combat India, the hosts remain the favorites to clinch the series. India’s claim to favoritism is well-founded as they have not succumbed to defeat in their home territory in red-ball cricket for the past 12 years. Following England’s triumph over MS Dhoni’s team in 2012, India has thwarted any visiting team’s aspirations for a Test series victory on their home soil. Their impressive streak encompasses 16 consecutive home Test series wins since the 2012 defeat to England.

In the 46 Tests played in India since 2013, the home team has emerged victorious in 38 encounters while suffering only three defeats (against Australia in 2017 and 2023 and England in the 2021 Chennai Test). This prolonged period of dominance has led many experts to deem India invincible on their home turf. However, Captain Rohit Sharma maintains a pragmatic perspective, asserting that the team must consistently deliver outstanding performances to overcome the resilient English side.

Rohit Sharma in press conference said “I don’t think we are unbeatable. We don’t want to think like that. But whatever past records that we have over the last decade or so, do not guarantee that we will come out on top in this series. We have to play well to win this series,.