Toss will be crucial in series against Pak: Dhoni

Gearing up for what promises to be a high-voltage limited-overs series against arch-foes Pakistan, Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said the toss will play a crucial role in the clashes as both teams are quite similar.

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"Winning the toss will be crucial because dew may have an impact. If you see both the sides, they are quite same. Their ability to play spinners is quite same. I think it will be nice couple of games," he said.

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The Twenty20 matches against Pakistan are scheduled on December 25 and 28 in Bangalore and Ahmedabad respectively, while the ODI series starts in Chennai on December 30.

The second One-day game against Pakistan will be held in Kolkata on January 3 followed by the last game on January 6 in Delhi.

On playing Pakistan and the importance of the series, Dhoni said, "Tell me one series which is not big for us. Whether we play England, Pakistan, Australia or any other series, for us it is all the same."

"That is how we look at it and don't really look into who we are playing because that can only increase the pressure. We keep it very simple, whoever the opposition is. We look at the format and try to execute our plans."

The three-match series against Pakistan will be followed by the five-match ODI against England that commences on January 11 at Rajkot. The tourists will return to India after taking a break for Christmas and New Year.

The other four games are to be held at Kochi (January 15), Ranchi (January 19), Mohali (January 23) and Dharamsala (January 27).

This will be followed with a series against Australia at home in February.

On the non-stop cricket schedule, Dhoni said, "As an individual, if you feel that playing a series or the next few games you may get injured, which may take you out of the game for six to eight weeks, then it is better off to tell BCCI that you need some rest because you won't be available if you play a few games so it's crucial."

"I am not worried about too many series happening because I am someone who loves to play cricket. Maybe a few years from the other end will be shortened because of the amount of cricket we play."

"But it is a good thing because you are always playing the best bowlers in the world and the momentum keeps you going. I am not worried about too many games."