Triumphant Indian captain MS Dhoni has implored his players to temper their joy at crushing arch rivals Pakistan in their World Cup opener.

Dhoni says Sunday’s 76-run victory against the Pakistanis was particularly sweet given his side’s troubled tour of Australia.

But he stresses the comprehensive win must be treated as just one win in a World Cup campaign.

“The guys did really well because a World Cup opening game against Pakistan, it is a high stakes game,” Dhoni said.

“But at the same time, we don’t want to give it too much importance because irrespective of whether you’re playing Pakistan or Australia, the games are as important.

“You get the same number of points (for a win).

“We tried to keep it as normal as possible and to a lot of extent we were able to do that.”

India, with Virat Kohli scoring a century, posted 7-300 and then bowled Pakistan out for 224 at Adelaide Oval.

“This can be a benchmark,” Dhoni said.

India entered the fixture with just one win – against Afghanistan in a warm-up game – since arriving in Australia last November.

“What was important was to not think about the past … it was important not to get entangled with these thoughts,” Dhoni said.

“The World Cup is a fresh start for us.

“I felt that was something that we managed really well. The morale of the team was good even though the results were not in our favour.”

Asked by an Indian journalist where he hid his magic wand, Dhoni replied: “It is the belief and trust that we have in each other.

“Not to forget, it’s a complicated sport. We represent out country and we want to do well but it’s the same with all the other countries also.

“At times you have to accept that you were beaten by your opposition that was more suited to the conditions or they played better cricket on that particular day.

“What is very important is to have the belief.

“And that magic wand actually is the support staff and the 15 players because irrespective of what others think, what really matters is what the guys are thinking, what the 15 people who are part of the team are thinking, and how the management is working.

“If we are moving in one direction and we are together there is more chances of making us strong.”