Dashing Indian opening batsman Virender Sehwag said he would try and curb his natural aggression in a bid to provide the team with a solid start in their upcoming tour of the West Indies.
"I will be looking to spend some time at the wicket. As you saw in the last game [against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi] I spent some time at the wicket, but still scored at a good rate. I made 73 from 83 balls, which I think is a good strike rate for a one-day game. I was looking to apply myself by not taking too many risks," he told reporters in Mumbai.
"In West Indies, I will be looking to provide a good start for the team. I am a senior member and also the vice-captain so I have to play responsibly," he said.
However, he said his role in the team had not changed a lot. "My role is still the same. When we are chasing a big total, my main aim is to give the team a good start. And if we are batting first, then I look to bat around 20-25 overs and provide the team with a solid start," he added.
India are a roll at the moment after their 5-1 drubbing of England at home and then the 1-1 draw against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.
Sehwag struggled in the one-day series against England, having scored just 78 runs in 5 matches at 15.60. But said he would be looking to score some runs in the West Indies.
"I know I have not done well against England, but I will try to improve in the West Indies. I am looking forward to spending some time at the wicket. I am not going to take too many risks."
The Delhi opener said the team would miss the services of Sachin Tendulkar in the one-day series. Tendulkar, who is undergoing rehabilitation after undergoing shoulder surgery, is hoping to make it for the Test series in the West Indies.
"We will miss Sachin. He has been such a good performer for India. He is the God of cricket. However, we have some very good youngsters and we are confident of doing well," he said.
The 27-year-old also praised the performance of youngster Suresh Raina, who was today named as the brand ambassador for sports giants Adidas.
"Raina, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Irfan Pathan have done well for us. They have finished a few games, so it's a good sign for the team," he said.
Raina was in top form against England, having scored 242 runs in 6 matches at 48.40, while taking some stunning catches in the field.
This is his first tour to the West Indies, however, the 19-year-old seemed confident of a good showing.
"I aim to do well in the West Indies. I am learning with every match," he said.
On being asked whether he would prefer batting up the order if given the chance, he replied: "If they give me a chance, I don't mind batting up the order. I am ready to bat in any position for the team's sake."
