Our two-month break is fast coming to an end and we're looking forward to getting back into the international fray. This Coca Cola Cup should be a really tough tournament and, with the promise of faster wickets, the fans can look forward to some exciting cricket.

The last time we played India we crushed them in Sharjah, winning the Coca Cola Champions final by 245 runs. It's not a day they will want to remember, but to be honest that was a one-off and I think that's history now.

India have been playing better cricket recently. They did exceptionally well against Australia and were doing well in Zimbabwe until the final, so we have to be on guard. Even without Tendulkar they have a very strong batting lining-up and there look to be plenty of youngsters coming through.

When you go out to field against the likes of Ganguly, Laxman and Dravid you need to play at the top of your game. You are forced to concentrate extremely hard because you know that any of their batsmen could take the game away from you if you start to relax. For me, their batting is their strength.

I think we have the edge over them in the bowling department though. They have some talented youngsters, but they don't have enough match experience under their belt. This was obvious when they played against the West Indies. When the West Indians started to attack the bowlers were unable to maintain a tight line or length and I think that was primarily a mental problem.

In the end it cost India another final. They have now lost four finals on the trot, which must be deeply disappointing. Perhaps they are putting themselves under too much pressure, which would be understandable considering the weight of expectation upon their shoulders. No other cricket team in the world has to play under the same pressure.

There has been talk in the India media about Sachin Tendulkar replacing Sourav Ganguly as captain, but this is premature. In general terms India have performed really well under him. He is tactically sound and appears to be a natural leader. The team may have lost a few finals, but the captain can't be held solely responsible for that - it's a team game after all and responsibility must be shared.

In fact, we have noticed greater vitality in the side under Ganguly. He has created a relaxed atmosphere, which has taken some pressure off the younger players. They are encouraged to be aggressive and to play their natural game. It's similar to the atmosphere in the Sri Lankan squad and I think it' s conducive to success.

Ganguly has though struggled for runs in recent times and we will be gunning for his wicket. As captain and a classy opening bat he is an extremely important player for India and a major threat to us. A couple of cheap scores in the opening games, however, and he may start to feel the pressure, especially with the hole left by Tendulkar's withdrawal.

Another Indian player dominating the headlines has been Harbhajan Singh. The last time I faced him was in the Asian Test Championship two years ago, soon after I had broken into the national side. Having seen him on television it is clear that he has improved with greater experience. Nowadays he possesses greater variation and he is clearly a thinking bowler. It's going to be a fascinating duel between Murali and him.

Personally, I am feeling confident and looking to carry on where I left off last year. I have been playing more consistently in recent times and preparations have focused on prolonging that. Things have been kept simple and I have worked on the mental side of my game. I'm fully fit, hitting the ball well and raring to go. Let the action begin.

© CricInfo