India's ODI captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was on Monday non-committal about reports that he may skip the Test series against Sri Lanka later this month to take some much-needed break, saying the situation would be clear in a couple of days.
BCCI unaware of Dhoni's plans | Dhoni second in ICC rankings
"In India and the subcontinent we have a full year of cricket and there's no off-season. It's tough for cricketers. When we want rest we should get it," India's limited overs captain said at a function in Mumbai on Monday.
"The BCCI (Cricket Board) has said we can take rest whenever we want which I think is a very good policy," he said adding, "You will come to know that in a couple of days' time" when asked whether he intended to take a break by opting out of the three-Test series in Lanka.
Dhoni insisted that he was fully fit during the Asia Cup that concluded in Karachi on Sunday with India tasting defeat in the final against Sri Lanka by a massive 100-run margin.
"Since last series there's been no problem (on the fitness front). I have no (fitness) problem presently as well," said the swashbuckling wicket keeper batsman.
Dhoni did not read too much into the Indian team's losses in the two finals that it had contested recently - against Pakistan in the tri-series tournament in Dhaka and against Lanka last night in the Asia Cup.
"Winning or losing can happen, but it's important to put in your best at all tinmes. If you still lose then there's little you can do about it," he said.
Defending the ODI team's inconsistent display, the Ranchi-born Dhoni said the team was short on international experience at the moment but would improve with time.
"We have won more matches than any other team in recent times. Also we have many players without much exposure to international cricket. The team will improve as the time goes," said the wicket keeper-batsman who's celebrating his 27th birthday on Monday.
Looking ahead to the series against Sri Lanka in the Emerald Isle, Dhoni said he expected a tough battle between the two teams while adding that the return of experienced campaigners - Test captain Anil Kumble and off spinner Harbhajan Singh - would prop up the attack.
"Sri Lanka is a tough place to play but we will be prepared and we hope to do well. We will have Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh returning which will be a big boost," he said.
"In Sri Lanka, sometimes spinners get some help and at other times there's no help for any type of bowler. If there are batting tracks then the batsmen are expected to take the responsibility. Otherwise we will be turning to Anil Kumble and Harbhajan," he said.
India are to start the full tour of Lanka with a Test series, with two matches scheduled at Colombo and the middle one at Galle, which will be followed by a five-match ODI rubber against the hosts. The team is to be picked on Tuesday.
