Dhaka: Thanks to the unusual happenings in recent weeks, there’s much riding on Team India’s tour of Bangladesh. And, so, it’s unlikely that captain Rahul Dravid will have many quiet moments to himself. On Wednesday morning, he interacted with the media and, then, briefly spoke to The Telegraph separately.

The following are excerpts

On the sting operation by a TV channel back home

I’m not going to react to sting operations... I got as much support as I could (from teammates) during the World Cup... I was happy with the team I had.

On everything that has happened after India’s shock first-round exit in the World Cup

I step back and see things in perspective... That’s how I play my cricket... I suppose it’s part and parcel of the game...

On whether the contracts issue is a distraction

No... There’s a simple formula for us players — we love the game and want to play it. It’s not that the boys are constantly thinking (about the contracts)... We’re focused on cricket... What needs to be taken care of will be taken care of.

On the spirit within the team

What happened in the World Cup was disappointing, but the spirit is back... The spirit was good during the conditioning camp in Calcutta and it’s good here.

On the focus still being on India’s poor World Cup performance

I don’t look at just one tournament or event... International cricket doesn’t begin or end with one series... It’s an ongoing process...

On Ravi Shastri’s appointment as (interim) cricket manager

As he himself told us, there can’t be magic in a few days... He’s very experienced and has a lot of knowledge... Has played a lot and has been doing commentary for years... He has been sharing knowledge... These are still early days... However, coaches can’t play and players have to stand up and take responsibility.

On Venkatesh Prasad and Robin Singh being part of the support staff

It’s about preparing the boys in a manner that the best is got out of them... One can’t suddenly change the way one plays. … The support staff’s work isn’t rocket science.

On rookie Manoj Tiwary being ruled out of the ODIs

It’s very sad... For this to happen on somebody’s first tour... We feel for him... He has the Board and the team’s support... Of course, he’s young and is going to get opportunities... Right now, he has to focus on recovering... He has accepted the situation in a mature manner.

On his one-on-one with Tiwary

I said he’s young and is in good hands (physio John Gloster)... I added that he must remain positive and work towards getting fit. I like his attitude.

On Bangladesh

They’ve done well in the World Cup... Now, we’ve got more first-hand information about their players...

On explosive opener Tamim Iqbal

He’s good... He played well (a dashing 51) against us in the World Cup and took us by surprise... If it’s his day, he could play another innings like that or we could get him (quickly).

Finally, on Brian Lara’s comment that “Rahul Dravid is the one player I could go and watch. Come to think of it, if I wanted someone batting for my life, it would be Rahul”

(Smiles) I’m honoured... That’s all.