Defending champions India are all set to launch their Asia Cup battle on a positive note as they take on Sri Lanka on Tuesday. The Asia Cup will give India a chance to make amends for their dull performance in the triangular series in Australia where they won just three out of eight matches. After having flopped in two consecutive overseas tours in England and then Australia, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni knows the importance of a good start that will hold them in good stead in the regional tournament.
"Over the years the format has changed in the sense now there are four good sides. It is a very short series, and it is very significant to start with a positive note because it`s not very often that you play in a tournament where all the Asian countries are playing together," Dhoni said. India are coming into the competition with just a few changes in the squad that played in Australia with hard-hitting batsman Yusuf Pathan and pacer Ashok Dinda drafted into side, while Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Umesh Yadav have been `rested` due to injuries.
The Asia Cup is also a perfect platform for Sachin Tendulkar to record his much-awaited 100th international ton after having missed the feat in the Test series against Australia and the subsequent triangular series. The competition will also provide another opportunity to young players like Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja to prove their value after producing a below-par performance in tough Australian conditions.
"Over the years the format has changed in the sense now there are four good sides. It is a very short series, and it is very significant to start with a positive note because it`s not very often that you play in a tournament where all the Asian countries are playing together," Dhoni said. India are coming into the competition with just a few changes in the squad that played in Australia with hard-hitting batsman Yusuf Pathan and pacer Ashok Dinda drafted into side, while Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan and Umesh Yadav have been `rested` due to injuries.
The Asia Cup is also a perfect platform for Sachin Tendulkar to record his much-awaited 100th international ton after having missed the feat in the Test series against Australia and the subsequent triangular series. The competition will also provide another opportunity to young players like Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja to prove their value after producing a below-par performance in tough Australian conditions.
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