It was difficult to lift morale of the players: Dhoni

Happy with his team's win over Sri Lanka, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday said it was nevertheless difficult to lift the team's morale after a series of defeats but it would help if each player learnt from his mistake. 

"It is difficult task (to lift the morale of the team) but if each player does his work it becomes easier. We tried to improve upon the mistakes we committed in the last match and we also will improve upon the mistakes committed today," Dhoni said after his sides's four-wicket win. 

The Indian bowlers recovered from early sloppiness to restrict the Sri Lankans to 233 for eight with Ashwin taking three for 32 before the batsmen rattled up the target with 20 balls remaining.

Dhoni said he always has a smile whether his team wins or loses since it is only a sport. 

"I always smile whether we are winning or losing, it is good to be on the winning side. Bowlers did really well. Praveen Kumar had an off day today and so Ashwin had to bowl out of his comfort zone in the Powerplays and the slog overs.

He bowled well and batted well when we chased," Dhoni said. 

"We have confidence in Ravindra Jadeja to bat at number seven and he also bowled well," he added.

Referring to Virat Kohli -- who top-scored for India with a 77 in the run chase -- running himself out while going for a needless single and getting cramps in the process, Dhoni said, "You do not get a runner nowadays. 

"You have to learn from mistakes and ensure that you do not get cramps. But it happens."

"You have to be ready for these circumstances. You have to hydrate yourself well overnight and during the game."

Man-of-the-match Ashwin said he was desperate to get a win and contribute in it. 

", I got a few wickets and at the end, finished it off with the bat. One victory on the board is very important. I was desperate to get a win today," he said. 

"I told Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) that we have to bat 60 balls here and that is what we did," he added. 

Asked if he would consider himself as an all-rounder -- batting or bowling all-rounder, he said, "I would rather rate myself to unfold as the game goes on, will like to be considered as an offie first."