Though pitted against a side that is still trying to find its feet in the international arena, the new-look Indian team will not take the encounter against hosts Bangladesh lightly and aims to starting its campaign in the triangular series in Dhaka on a winning note on Friday.
Playing their first tournament after an impressive World Cup campaign where they finished runners-up, the Indians will rely heavily on the youngsters to deliver the goods as they seek to pick the winning momentum again in the day-night match at the Bangabandhu Stadium.
With many of the senior players, including batting mainstays Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, skipping the tournament on account of injuries, the team's first international engagement since its defeat to Australia in the World Cup final will be a test of character for the younger members who will now have to shoulder the bulk of the responsibility.
Although Bangladesh, which has not won a single limited overs international match since gaining Test status, is not expected to pose much of a threat to the confident Indians, Sourav Ganguly and his men will be keen to start on a convincing note ahead of the tougher contest against South Africa, the third team in the fray.
"We want to win wherever we play and we have come here to win the title. Our mission is to win and for that the team is mentally and physically prepared," Ganguly said.
Though five members of the World Cup squad have opted out of the tour for various reasons, Ganguly believes that the team still has enough firepower to win at a venue which brings many happy memories for the Indians.
"There are a few youngsters in the side. But I can tell you, they are all talented players and capable of playing good cricket. They have match-winning potential," the Indian skipper said.
Apart from Tendulkar and vice-captain Dravid, who are carrying finger injuries, pace spearhead Javagal Srinath has also preferred to take rest while leg-spinner Anil Kumble could not make the trip for personal reasons.
Young paceman Ashish Nehra opted out because of an injury which may require surgery.
The focus will surely be on the young brigade -- the likes of Virender Sehwag, Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh -- who are proven match-winners, but will now be expected to bear more responsibility.
Sehwag, who has been appointed vice-captain for the series, has already indicated his desire to play more responsibly after being elevated to the post. The dashing opener was often guilty of throwing away his wicket after getting starts in the World Cup and it will be interesting to see whether he curbs his natural attacking strokeplay in the early stages of his innings in Dhaka.
