Hambantota (Sri Lanka), Jul 20: A rejuvinated India would look for a winning start to the new season but the task would be easier said than done against a strong Sri Lanka as the two sides clash in a five-match ODI series starting here tomorrow.
Barring the Indian Premier League, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's India have not been in action since their last international outing in South Africa in March.
The hosts, by contrast, have been hungry Tigers on prey. They beat Pakistan at home in both ODIs and Tests, outplaying the high-riding opponents with a clinical performance.
But India are not Pakistan and are known for greater deeds of consistency at the very high echelons of competitiveness.
Dhoni echoed the Indians' familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions saying, “We are no strangers to Sri Lankan conditions. So acclimatisation would not be an issue”.
The Indian captain was implying that the near two months break the players have had since the IPL would serve them well as the team aims to win the series to herald the new season for them on a happy note.
Dhoni made no secret of India's ambitions in the next tour to the emerald isle, the world Twenty20. He was happy that most of the players in the touring team would form the nucleus of the side for the world T20.
For Mahela Jayawardene and the Sri Lankans, it would just be the continuation of the good yields in the series against Pakistan.
“We have just finished a good series against Pakistan. It is now for us to build on the good work,” Jayawardene said.
Barring the Indian Premier League, Mahendra Singh Dhoni's India have not been in action since their last international outing in South Africa in March.
The hosts, by contrast, have been hungry Tigers on prey. They beat Pakistan at home in both ODIs and Tests, outplaying the high-riding opponents with a clinical performance.
But India are not Pakistan and are known for greater deeds of consistency at the very high echelons of competitiveness.
Dhoni echoed the Indians' familiarity with Sri Lankan conditions saying, “We are no strangers to Sri Lankan conditions. So acclimatisation would not be an issue”.
The Indian captain was implying that the near two months break the players have had since the IPL would serve them well as the team aims to win the series to herald the new season for them on a happy note.
Dhoni made no secret of India's ambitions in the next tour to the emerald isle, the world Twenty20. He was happy that most of the players in the touring team would form the nucleus of the side for the world T20.
For Mahela Jayawardene and the Sri Lankans, it would just be the continuation of the good yields in the series against Pakistan.
“We have just finished a good series against Pakistan. It is now for us to build on the good work,” Jayawardene said.
