Graduate Recruitment weekend: faculty interview - research area mismatch
Don't make assumptions. Perhaps they really do see something in your background that they think is valuable to their own work. Maybe that would appeal to you, or not. But have the conversation first, and keep an open mind.
However, it might just be that the faculty as a whole divided up the interview task so that every one participates and everyone gets an interview. They might even recommend you to a colleague if there is a real mismatch. You say they &quot;shortlisted&quot; you but it may have been something more clerical than an actual choice. Don't read too much into the description of how you were chosen.
But there is no reason to give up your goals if they lie elsewhere. You probably don't need to accept a long term research relationship that you wouldn't find interesting. If you know of another professor, by name, you could even mention them as someone whose work appeals to you.
But, more important, if what they do is &quot;important and interesting&quot; then background can be developed. In the US there is a lot of opportunity for that, but less so in some other places.