India launch their campaign in the Asia Cup cricket tournament against minnows Hong Kong in Karachi on Wednesday, hoping to get into top form ahead of their crucial tie against arch-rival Pakistan on Thursday.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men should not face much resistance from Hong Kong, but the Indians are in no mood to take their opponents lightly in what is likely to be a one-sided floodlit contest at the National Stadium.
The Indians will go into the game without the services of paceman Irfan Pathan who will be rested because of a side strain. But the Indians have enough bowling resources at their disposal to counter Hong Kong.
The India coach Gary Kirsten warned his players not to get too complacent against their unfancied rivals.
"I am looking for some big contributions from my players in the match. We will take every opposition seriously as this is the Asia Cup and we will play proper cricket and will do the things we need to do," Kirsten said.
The Indians, seeking to make amends after their defeat to Pakistan in the tri-series final in Bangladesh, have a track record in Pakistan in recent time. But captain Dhoni is not banking on statistics and is willing to start from a scratch all over again.
{{/usCountry}}The Indians, seeking to make amends after their defeat to Pakistan in the tri-series final in Bangladesh, have a track record in Pakistan in recent time. But captain Dhoni is not banking on statistics and is willing to start from a scratch all over again.
{{/usCountry}}"We will start our script from scratch in this tournament. We are not going to take any team lightly," Dhoni said.
"I am happy with the team combination. I feel it is a good opportunity for the aspiring youngsters in such a big tournament. It is also a challenge for seasoned players to perform in it," he said.