Perth: Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday, advised his players to learn from mistakes and save themselves from injuries after his side cruised to a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a cricket tri-series match here.

Referring to Virat Kohli -- he 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," said the Indian captain.

He heaped praise on his bowlers, especially off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, for the win.

The Indian bowlers recovered from early sloppiness to restrict the Sri Lankans to 233 for eight with Ashwin taking 3/32 before the batsmen rattled up the target with 20 balls remaining.

"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.

Dhoni said it was difficult to lift the team's morale after a series of defeats.

"It is difficult task 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," he said.