New Delhi: Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin feels current skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who has never minced words in giving opinions on his teammates, should be "careful with his comments" if he wants a happy dressing room in the times to come.
"Dhoni certainly has to be careful about his comments. Many seniors had already played 20 years of cricket before Dhoni made his India debut so making reckless statements can spoil the bonhomie," Azhar said on a news channel in a show which also featured 1983 World Cup winning skipper Kapil Dev and India`s most successful Test captain Sourav Ganguly.
Kapil, however, felt a difference of opinion does not always mean an unhappy dressing room.
"Today`s players have a different mindset. They say and act differently and don`t hesitate in speaking their mind. Captain has a way of thinking and it is not bad in having a difference of opinion. I am sure, whether it is Dhoni or Sehwag, they will never put their ego ahead of country`s interest," said Kapil.
After a break from international cricket, Dhoni`s men play Sri Lanka in a five-match ODI series giving India an opportunity to regain the number one spot in the ICC ODI rankings.
"I have always said that India`s real test lies in countries like England, Australia and South Africa. In Sri Lanka, things will be a lot easier and our youngsters can be more dangerous," said Ganguly.
"However, coming after a long break, we can expect our players to be a bit rusty though they can`t afford to be much complacent in such a short series," he added.
Azhar, meanwhile, admitted that the hosts will have an edge as they`ve been playing, and also winning, non-stop international cricket.
"Our players will step in the field with a new vigour. First match will also show their level of fitness as the conditions in Lanka are always testing," Azhar said.
In the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, much will depend on the opening partnerships provided by Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir.
"Sehwag`s performance outside India has not been good since 2006. He tries to play too many shots on foreign soil. However, things will be a lot easier for him in Sri Lanka," Ganguly said.
After repeated failures with the bat, including that on the recent tour of the West Indies with the India A team, all eyes will once again be on Rohit Sharma when India start their campaign in Sri Lanka.
"Rohit Sharma has got so many opportunities. Even after five years, he has not been able to cement his place in the team. It is high time for him to get to the next level. In our times, so many talented players were left out without getting even a single chance.
"Rahul (Dravid) has retired and (VVS) Laxman too does not have much time left now so these players will have to take the team forward," Ganguly said.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, July 21, 2012, 17:55