Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni reckons the upcoming limited-overs
series against Sri Lanka will provide his side an opportunity to see
where it stands at the moment and identify the areas that need
improvement.
"It's the start of the season for us," Dhoni said on Wednesday, soon after the Indian team arrived here to play in five ODIs and a lone Twenty20 game against the islanders.
"There are certain areas where we've wanted to improve, where we've had a discussion saying these are the areas where we need to improve upon to consistently do well. This is a nice occasion to test how much we have improved and how much further we can actually improve on the field," he added.
Sri Lanka will be hosting the World Twenty20 in September, but Dhoni said the focus is only on the upcoming series for the time being.
"What's important is to be in the present, which means take this series into account, not to think too much ahead about the World Twenty20.
"A good thing is most of the players who are part of this side will also be part of the Twenty20 side. We don't really need to think ahead of time."
Getting back to action after a month-and-a-half long break, the team headed for a practice session at the R Premadasa Stadium soon after checking in to their hotel.
"Today we landed over here, and we were on the field close to 4.30 pm. The good thing is the energy level is up, which means we can put in a bit more effort in the physical department and do a bit more active sports work," Dhoni said.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene said his team will look to continue the momentum after a successful series against Pakistan at home.
"We have just finished a series against Pakistan successfully and what is important is to continue with the good work," Jayawardene said.
"We have to work hard to reach the goals we want to attain. It's a good opportunity against India. We need to take the team forward. We have brought in a few new players for the one-day side, and we have to think about the World Twenty20 and which of these players will be suitable for that competition."
The series will not have the much-debated Decision Review System (DRS) as India, as has been their stance all through, did not want the system in place.
"As per the ICC guidelines, both teams have got to agree in having the DRS. As far as the Indian board is concerned they are not in favour of that. That was a decision taken at ICC level," said Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Nishantha Ranatunga.
"It's the start of the season for us," Dhoni said on Wednesday, soon after the Indian team arrived here to play in five ODIs and a lone Twenty20 game against the islanders.
"There are certain areas where we've wanted to improve, where we've had a discussion saying these are the areas where we need to improve upon to consistently do well. This is a nice occasion to test how much we have improved and how much further we can actually improve on the field," he added.
Sri Lanka will be hosting the World Twenty20 in September, but Dhoni said the focus is only on the upcoming series for the time being.
"What's important is to be in the present, which means take this series into account, not to think too much ahead about the World Twenty20.
"A good thing is most of the players who are part of this side will also be part of the Twenty20 side. We don't really need to think ahead of time."
Getting back to action after a month-and-a-half long break, the team headed for a practice session at the R Premadasa Stadium soon after checking in to their hotel.
"Today we landed over here, and we were on the field close to 4.30 pm. The good thing is the energy level is up, which means we can put in a bit more effort in the physical department and do a bit more active sports work," Dhoni said.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene said his team will look to continue the momentum after a successful series against Pakistan at home.
"We have just finished a series against Pakistan successfully and what is important is to continue with the good work," Jayawardene said.
"We have to work hard to reach the goals we want to attain. It's a good opportunity against India. We need to take the team forward. We have brought in a few new players for the one-day side, and we have to think about the World Twenty20 and which of these players will be suitable for that competition."
The series will not have the much-debated Decision Review System (DRS) as India, as has been their stance all through, did not want the system in place.
"As per the ICC guidelines, both teams have got to agree in having the DRS. As far as the Indian board is concerned they are not in favour of that. That was a decision taken at ICC level," said Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Nishantha Ranatunga.
| India tour of Sri Lanka, 2012 (Jul 21 - Aug 07) Fixture | ||
| Date | Match Details | Time | |||||
| GMT | IST | Venue | |||||
| Jul 21 - Sat | Sri Lanka v India, 1st ODI | 09:00 | 14:30 | Hambantota | |||
| Jul 24 - Tue | Sri Lanka v India, 2nd ODI | 09:00 | 14:30 | Hambantota | |||
| Jul 28 - Sat | Sri Lanka v India, 3rd ODI | 09:00 | 14:30 | Colombo | |||
| Jul 31 - Tue | Sri Lanka v India, 4th ODI | 09:00 | 14:30 | Colombo | |||
| Aug 04 - Sat | Sri Lanka v India, 5th ODI | 09:00 | 14:30 | Pallekele | |||
| Aug 07 - Tue | Sri Lanka v India, Only T20I | 13:30 | 19:00 | Pallekele | |||
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