Dhoni hoping for positive start for team in Sri Lanka

Chennai - Admitting that break from cricket was very welcome, India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni emphasised the need to win the series against Sri Lanka that would help the team to start a new season on a positive note.

Speaking to media persons here Tuesday on conclusion of the two-day preparatory camp ahead of the one-day series in Sri Lanka, Dhoni said the players were back refreshed from the off-season break and looked forward to a successful tour of the island nation in the coming weeks.

"Now most of the players have come back after a long break and the body looks very different and their fielding and other activities look very different. We will make the most of the rest that we have got," he said.

"In the last few days, we have practiced hard and had fairly long sessions. We also got specific sessions. We look forward to be successful in the coming series," said Dhoni.

Dwelling on the forthcoming tour that includes five One-Day Internationals and one T20 game, Dhoni pointed out that the players were quite familiar with the conditions in Sri Lanka and so acclimatisation was not an issue.

"We will be playing in different venues in Sri Lanka. We have to win this series also. It is important to be focused to do our best as it is the start of the season for us. We want to start with on a winning note."

"Sri Lanka is not a new place to us. During the last five years, we have gone there often, may be twice a year or so. I do not think the conditions there are very different and also the fact that if you compare to India, it is not very different."

"Most of the players who are part of this side will be part of the T20 side too. So, getting used to the conditions there will not be a big problem for us," he said.

Queried on the proposed resumption of India-Pakistan series, Dhoni opined that being professional cricketers, they need to be prepared for it.

"We are professional cricketers. Sentiment does not play any part since we are taught to be professionals on the field," he asserted.

Chief coach Duncan Fletcher who had a difficult baptism with the Indian team since taking charge last year after the World Cup triumph, was hopeful of a turnaround.

"It was a difficult season if you consider the three or four big tours that India undertook. After that, I have been talking to Dhoni and other officials. I have certainly discussed the aspects with them and I do not think it is necessary for me to talk about it in this forum," Fletcher said.

"Hopefully, sometimes the things turn around. Look at the players now. They have come back after a break and look a very good team for the moment. There is lots of intensity in what they do. Hopefully, they can maintain it and turn the results around," he said.

Fletcher declined to say anything specific on the meeting he had with BCCI president N. Srinivasan here Tuesday.

"I had a couple of meetings with the president of the board. I had a meeting during the IPL final and I had a meeting with him this morning. From my point of view, I think the meetings went on very well and I do not think we can discuss the details in this forum," he said.