New Delhi, Oct. 1: Expect a rejuvenated Sri Lanka, predicted skipper Mahela Jayawardene as the islanders landed here on Sunday for the upcoming Champions Trophy beginning October 7.

Sri Lanka’s pride was severely dented when they toured India last October, losing 1-6 in a one-day series against Rahul Dravid’s Indians.

"We have learnt from our mistakes," Jayawardene said at a press briefing here. "When we came here last time, we faced initial difficulties following new rules (power play and super sub) which gave so much importance to the toss, but I think we have improved since then."

Sri Lanka, who open their campaign on October 7 against Bangladesh at Mohali, will now play qualifying matches against defending champions West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. The top two teams will join the elite six. "I think spinners will play a key role, but it is also necessary for fast bowlers to vary pace. The batsmen need to apply themselves," said Jayawardene.

Sri Lanka are a team in form, having drawn a tough Test series 1-1 and won 5-0 in one-dayers in England recently.

When asked about the secret of their recent successes, Jayawardene said: "There is no secret, only hard work. The challenge now is to keep the momentum going."

Jayawardene played a vital role in his team’s victories in England, scoring 328 runs in five one-dayers.

"It is nice to be in form," he said. "I now have a regular batting slot which has given me a lot of freedom. It was a bit difficult to be consistent in the initial years (of my career) when I had no fixed batting place."

Sri Lankan coach Tom Moody appeared optimistic about the team’s chances. "A lot of water has gone down the bridge since then. We are not the same team that visited India last time. We are now a better, stronger unit," said Moody.