Their record overseas in the longest format isn’t impressive, considering the series defeats in South Africa and England this year.

But at home, India have been unbeatable for almost three years, meaning the West Indies have to do something like scaling a peak higher than Everest if they are to deny India victory in the two-Test series that begins in Rajkot from Thursday.

Virat Kohli and his team’s focus, though, will be on improving their own game as they aren’t thinking about the opposition, said India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane.

Speaking to mediapersons in Rajkot on Tuesday, Rahane said: “It was a great achievement to win the Asia Cup and players who got an opportunity there did well.

“But this is a new series and we cannot take them (West Indies) lightly. We have to focus on improving our own game.

“No matter who we play — whether it’s Australia, England or West Indies — it is important to improve our own standard. Our goal will be to play some good cricket, definitely to dominate from the beginning and focus on improvement as batsmen, as bowlers and as a team, overall.”

Youngsters Prithvi Shaw, Mayank Agarwal and pacer Mohammed Siraj have all been rewarded with berths in the squad for their consistent and impressive showing in domestic cricket and for India A.

According to Rahane, the coming Tests will be a good opportunity for these youngsters to prove their mettle at the bigger stage. “It is a good opportunity, particularly for youngsters like Prithvi, Mayank and Siraj as they have all done well in domestic cricket.

“So, as batsmen, if they can score runs and pick wickets as bowlers, they’ll be able to prove that they belong at this level. It is all about going out there and giving your best without thinking too much about future,” Rahane said.

Prithvi could be in line for a Test debut in Rajkot, and Rahane feels the former shouldn’t curb his attacking style of batting if he does feature in the 11. Prithvi should play just like he has done for Mumbai and India A thus far.

“I am happy for him (Prithvi). I have seen him since his early days. We used to practise together, he is an attacking opener and done well for India A, and got the reward.

“I wish him good luck and I am sure he will do well. I just want him to play as he has been doing for Mumbai and India A, and I think he will be fine.”

Rahane was non-committal when asked who among Prithvi and Mayank Agarwal would partner KL Rahul in the opening Test. “We don’t know the combination yet.

“But there is no pressure, as it’s an opportunity for every individual to express themselves,” he said.

Having a disappointing time in the Tests in England, Rahane did put up decent performances when he led Mumbai to victories over Baroda, Karnataka and Railways in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. It provided him good match practice ahead of the West Indies Tests, Rahane said.

“After coming back from England, I was just looking to do well for Mumbai at that point in time and get some match practice ahead of the West Indies series. Vijay Hazare Trophy games were a good match practice for me.

“I always believe whether it’s domestic, international or a practice match, it brings along with different pressure and I think it helped me prepare well.

“I am happy with my preparations and really confident and looking forward to do well and keep contributing towards my team.”

Even though they are playing at home, India will still have to adapt quickly to the conditions. “We have to see how the wicket behaves here. It’s hot here, so we have to adapt to the conditions quickly when we practise,” Rahane said.

“We do know these conditions and we know how to go about our job and what shots to play here. England (tour) was different, so we will have to mentally switch fast.

“Each and every match is equally important and we are just looking to play to our standards, rather than thinking about our opponents. And of course, it is important to start off well,” he added.