Chennai, July 17: As India prepare for their limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka, opening batsman Gautam Gambhir stressed the need to adopt a professional approach ahead of the new season.

Addressing the media just before the start of the two-day preparatory camp in Chennai, Gambhir said the Sri Lanka series was crucial in getting the youngsters into the rhythm for the coming season.

"It is a fresh series of a fresh season and it is important that we [are] totally professional in our approach to gain the momentum and take it forward [into] our next series against England and New Zealand," Gambhir said. "We have talented players in our dressing room and we need to play to our potential to gain good results. Sri Lanka is a very good and formidable side in their own backyard." Gambhir refused to read much into the frequency with which India have played the island nation over the last few years, choosing to concentrate on the right execution of strategies on the field. "It is not a matter of how often you play against known players; it is important [that] you succeed with your on-field plans. Whether we are familiar with the players or conditions [or not], we need to deliver," he said. Gambhir, replaced by Virat Kohli as vice-captain, wants to focus his energies on contributing to the team’s cause. "I have always maintained that a captain is as good as his team. I am not bothered about my designation in the team. My job is to play to my potential as a professional and do well for my country and my team," Gambhir said. The gritty batsman expected Sri Lanka to be battle-hardened after a gruelling series.

"The series against Sri Lanka is very important for us. As I said, they are a very formidable side, especially after having played a tough series against Pakistan. We have to take each chance that comes our way for positive results," he said. The Lanka-bound Indian squad trained at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium for close to four hours on Monday, monitored by coach Duncan Fletcher and the support staff. The team will undergo another training session on Tuesday afternoon and will fly to Sri Lanka on Wednesday.