Desperate to restore their battered reputation after recent debacle in Australia, title holders India would be hoping for a positive start to their campaign in Asia Cup cricket tournament when they take on Sri Lanka here on Tuesday. Pakistan beat hosts Bangladesh in opening match of four-nation tournament on Sunday night.
Asia Cup will provide India a chance to make amends for their dismal performance in 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 importance of a good start that will hold them in good stead in Asia Cup.
"Over the years format has changed in the sense now there are four good sides. It is a very short series, and it is very important to start with a positive note because it's not very often that you play in a tournament where all Asian countries are playing together," Dhoni said.
India are coming into the tournament 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. Asia Cup is also an ideal platform for Sachin Tendulkar to record his much-awaited 100th international ton after having missed the feat in Test series against Australia and the subsequent triangular series. It will also provide another opportunity to young players like Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja to prove their worth after producing a below-par performance in tough Australian conditions.