Kolkata: India assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said the team looks forward to playing in challenging conditions like it experienced at the Eden Gardens, ending at 17 for three on a rain-hit day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Recalling their Test win against New Zealand here last year, Bangar said the current Indian side thrives on challenges.
"We are happy to play on wickets like this. A team doesn't really want to play on easy conditions. We challenge ourselves and most players are open to such challenges. We want to continue improving as a team," said Bangar after the day's play in which just 11.5 overs could be bowled due to wet conditions.
"It was a similar wicket last year, after it was relaid. We played the Test really well and applied ourselves. We are ready for the challenge."
Bangar rued that rain interruptions did not help them to consolidate their innings after a bad start.
Only one-hours' play was possible in two curtailed sessions and Sri Lanka made the most of it with Suranga Lakmal striking thrice without conceding a run in six overs.
"The conditions were pretty tough for batting and what didn't really help us was we did not get an extended passage for play wherein you had 15-20 overs bowled at a batsman in a particular fashion. It didn't allow our batsmen to get into a rhythm," felt Bangar. Bangar hoped they would bounce back as the match progresses.
"We have got all bases covered as the game goes into fourth and fifth day. There would be dents in the wicket because of the dampness. There will be variable bounce which may come into play. Both spinners are really vital to us. We have got swing and seam and the pace that is required."
Both the teams also agreed to make use of the floodlights to get maximum out of the day
"It was similar to a day-night Test. It didn't seem to be a day Test. At times under such circumstances, playing with a red ball becomes pretty tough. It's more difficult to pick the red balls."
Bangar said it's about grinding out of the situation and respecting the condition.
"The amount of times you are going to get beaten plays on your mind. The best approach is to forget the previous ball and accept that you got beaten on a number of occasions. You may not really play elegantly but you will have to grind it out as those are equally important runs."