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India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has reportedly warned his team-mates against hiding injuries, asking them to take a break and recuperate if they are not 100 per cent fit.

The statement comes close on the heels of India's disastrous World Twenty20 campaign, which began on a wrong note with Virender Sehwag failing to even take the field due to a shoulder injury. Later, a leaked fitness report by team physio Nitin Patel revealed that a few other key members were also carrying injuries from the IPL. "For me, it's the team first and then the individuals and I'd hope it's the same with everyone else in the group," Dhoni is said to have told his team-mates on Sunday.

The other issue he dealt with was fatigue. "If rest is the cure for an injury, a cricketer ought to opt for it rather than let fatigue or niggle become a major setback to him and to the team. "If anyone wants to take a break from the game, please let me know or the BCCI," he was quoted as saying.

Ahead of the team's four-ODI series in the West Indies, Dhoni asked the seniors to play a pro-active role in planning and execution of strategies.

"I would urge the seniors to give more and more inputs for the betterment of the team," stated Dhoni, referring to the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh. He also urged the juniors to take up more responsibility.

BCCI backs skipper

Meanwhile the BCCI, which is under fire for allegedly preferring the IPL over World Twenty20 and risking the players' fitness, has backed Dhoni on the injury issue. "Dhoni has every right to advise his boys. Dhoni's plainspeak will ensure that fitness level of the team improves," BCCI's media and finance committee chairman Rajiv Shukla was quoted by television channels.