'No room for sentiment against Pakistan'

India’s captain MS Dhoni was a picture of calm and cool as the long break from non-stop cricket has rejuvenated him. India’s  most successful captain feels that the conditions in Sri Lanka will be familiar and expects a good show from his team. He also states that there is no place for emotion and as a professional cricketer, he would play Pakistan as any other side, and look to win games for the country.

“Enjoyed the break. The longest break before this came in 2007, when we lost the World Cup. We don’t have fond memories of that break, but this one was necessary. Most of the players have come back feeling good. We made the most out of our break,’’ said a relaxed Dhoni.

“In the last few days we have trained hard. We have had fairly long sessions. So we are  prepared for the Lanka tour,’’ added Dhoni.

When queried whether it will be a good idea to have a long break every season.  Pat came Dhoni’s reply: “Break of  close to 45 days is a long time, so to have such a break every year would be difficult but I think next year we have a gap between each series. That’s a good sign  for us.’’

On the Board’s decision to revive Indo-Pakistan cricketing ties receiving mixed reactions from former cricketers. “As professional cricketers we are taught not to really get into the emotional side, so we have to get ready for the series. We have to go on the field and  try to win every game, especially if it’s against Pakistan. It’s a bit tough, but that’s what we are supposed to do,’’ opined Dhoni. Coming back to the tour, Dhoni did not reveal what his team practised, but was confident of a  good  show. “I can’t elaborate too much on what we have been practising. We have to improve in certain areas and the emphasis is on fielding also. We are working on all the three departments,’’ said Dhoni. “Sri Lanka is not a new place to us. We have go­ne there almost every year. The conditions are not different to India. Most  of  the players who may be part of the Twenty20 squad are familiar with the conditions. That’s good  for us,’’ added the Indi­an skipper.

Dhoni believed that past experience always counts but stressed it was more importa­nt to start the season on a winning note. “We will have to maintain our record. We have to be at our best. It’s the start of the season and we wo­uld like to start on a winning no­te,’’ said Dhoni.