Captain Rahul Dravid [Images] has singled out Sanath Jayasuriya [Images] as a thorn in India's flesh over the last few years.

"Sanath Jayasuriya has been one factor and, generally, the Sri Lankan team has some all-time great cricketers in their ranks -- men like Chaminda Vaas [Images] and Muttiah Muralitharan," said Dravid.

"We haven't done well against them over the last few years and in that sense it is a big challenge," he added.

India take on Sri Lanka [Images] in the opener of the triangular tournament in a day-night game in Dambulla on Saturday, fully aware that they have invariably finished as second best against the hosts.

"I know we don't have a good record against them. But history is best forgotten. It does not mean we would continue to do so. They are a very good team at home but it also gives us a good opportunity [to beat them]. It would be a great boost to our confidence."

Dravid admitted that the absence of Sachin Tendulkar [Images] and Sourav Ganguly [Images] is a huge vacuum in the side and will not be easily replenished. But he wanted youngsters to put up their hands and be counted.

"The experience of theirs is not easily replicated. But we have had a few youngsters in the team who have been around for the last four and five years. It is a chance for people like Sehwag, Yuvraj and Mohammad Kaif to put up their hands and be counted," Dravid said.

Dravid's been a little unlucky in the sense that he was always around for his captains to take advantage of his contribution but now when he is at the helm of affairs some of the biggest names of Indian cricket are missing.

"I've never felt that I've ploughed a lonely furrow. I have been lucky to be a part of a team which has had some great talent, some great players. Everyone played his part, not just me in whatever little success we had.

"Even here I don't think it's me alone who is going to do all the work. It is a good talented side."

Talking of youngsters, Dravid said that he was very impressed with the work ethics of M S Dhoni [Images].

"He has been very impressive. He has shown a good work ethic and attitude, not only here but also in Bangalore. He has done well in different positions and in different roles.

"He is shaping up to be a very fine cricketer as he gives us flexibility. That's what we are looking forward to from our youngsters. They should be able to play different roles in different positions. That would make us a strong one-day side."