Toss will be crucial in the final: Dhoni

After slumping to a humiliating defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka, India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said toss will play a vital role in Monday's final of the tri-nation series against the hosts in Colombo.

India lost to Sri Lanka by 139 runs in their second match of the tournament, thereby ending their brief stay at the number one position in the ICC ODI rankings.

But Dhoni said it was just an off-day for the team in the office and feels whoever comes out lucky with the toss of coin at the R Premadasa wicket on Monday will have an edge in the title clash.

"In venues like this, toss plays a crucial role. If you win the toss then 60 per cent of the game is in your favour," Dhoni said.

The Indian skipper said his side's bowling department needs to pull up its socks and avoid giving away a good start  to the Sri Lankans, a mistake which proved costly for them on Saturday.

"If you are bowling first, then the bowlers must ensure that the opposition don't get off to a big start. 

"I think we are not bowling in the right areas. We are either too short or too full. Hopefully yesterday's match would be a learning experience for us," Dhoni said.