India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly cautioned his teammates against resting on the laurels of the past season, saying the only way to becoming a strong side is by attaining a high consistency rate.
Ganguly, who turned 32 on Thursday, said the biggest challenge for his team during the upcoming Asia Cup is getting into an early rhythm after a nearly three-month break.
"It is an important season for us. Last year was a good and successful season for us. We have to follow it with another good season; that is how you become a strong and good side," Ganguly told reporters on the concluding day of the conditioning camp for Asia Cup probables in Chennai on Thursday.
"Consistency is important. Doing well in the coming season is of utmost importance for the team," he said.
Ganguly said it is natural for his players to be a little rusty after the break but it is also important that they settle down as quickly as possible.
"The important thing is that we have to settle down quickly because just like any other team we are coming out of a two-and-half-month lay-off. Getting the rhythm straight away is never possible; so it is a challenge for us to get into the rhythm and optimum level of confidence as quickly as possible."
On the home Test series against Australia later this year, the Indian captain said, "This is the early part of the season and by the time the Australians come we will be into the season."
Asked whether he expects a tough challenge from Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, he replied, "It is always going to be tough since Sri Lanka will be playing at home and Pakistan is a good side. It is going to be tough for all three sides when they compete against each other."
He, however, expressed confidence of a good showing in the tournament, beginning next week, as the team is at full strength.
"I think after a long time we are back in full strength. Considering this we hope to do well in the Asia Cup."
The elegant left-hander said the return of Harbhajan Singh is a huge bonus for the team.
"Harbhajan back in the team is a huge bonus for us. As I said before, Anil Kumble had bowled the best way in his entire career.
"If Harbhajan can raise his standards on par with Kumble along with Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan and L Balaji, I am sure we will have an edge over the other teams and the advantage with these five attacking and wicket-taking bowlers will be a bonus for any side," Ganguly said.
Asked whether the team would field four medium pacers in the Asia Cup matches, he said, "It depends on the form of the batsmen. I do not want to change the winning combination which has been a success for the team.
"We have won important matches with seven batsmen. We may start with seven batsmen because one-day cricket is dependent on how deep your batting strength is. For a start, I think we will continue with that combination," he said.
Ganguly said former England batting legend Geoffrey Boycott's tips to the players during the camp had helped fine-tune their cricketing skills.
"I must say that Boycott was a great player and has so much of knowledge about the game. He definitely helped the players with their mindset and technique. Having such great people in the camp always helps," he said.
Asked if he had made any resolution on his birthday, the captain said, "It [a birthday] is an important day in everyone's life, not just mine. There's no such resolution. But I hope we keep on improving. Hopefully, we can perform better as a team than what we did last year."
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