Refreshed India pitted against in-form Sri Lanka

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 in Sri Lanka on Saturday.

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 in Sri Lanka on Saturday.

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, in contrast, beat Pakistan at home in both ODIs and Tests, outplaying the high-riding opponents with a splendid performance.

But India is not Pakistan and is 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 two months break the players have had since the IPL would serve them well as the team aims to win the series to begin the new season for them on a happy note.

Dhoni made no secret of India's ambitions in 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.

Mahela Jayawardene and the Sri Lankans, in the meantime would be looking to carry on their good form from the Pakistan series.

"We have just finished a good series against Pakistan. It is now for us to build on the good work," Jayawardene said.