Sehwag wants India to maintain consistency

Virender Sehwag, the Indian batsman, wants his team-mates to maintain the consistency that helped India achieve the No. 1 Test ranking in 2009 as the team arrived in Dhaka for its first assignment of the New Year: a tri-series involving Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, followed by two Tests against Bangladesh.

"Our target is to play good cricket. Last two years, we have played very tough and good cricket and hopefully we will do it in 2010 also," Sehwag said. "It's important for the team to play well consistently. If you do that you will stay No. 1 or No. 2."

India arrived in Bangladesh following a 3-1 victory in a home ODI series against Sri Lanka, who will be without key players such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis and Mahela Jayawardene for the tri-series. Sehwag, however, said India would not be underestimating them.

"When new players break into the side, nobody really knows what he will do or what his strength is. It's difficult for the teams to bowl or bat against them," Sehwag said. "I think Sri Lanka still are a good side. It will be a tough task for us."

The tri-series will begin with Bangladesh taking on Sri Lanka on January 4, while India's first match is against Sri Lanka the following day at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium.