India captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday said the visitor will be hoping to replicate its limited-overs success Down Under when the first ODI versus New Zealand gets underway at the McLean Park in Napier on Wednesday.
"New Zealand usually has high scoring grounds... so the key is to not panic when the opposition is racking up scores in excess of 300. They are a difficult side to beat at home but we believe in our abilities and will be eyeing a repeat of our results in Australia," Kohli said.
India last toured New Zealand in 2014 when it lost 4-0 in ODIs and 1-0 in Tests. However, Kohli exuded confidence in the team's batting abilities this time around, dispelling notions of any psychological baggage.
"We have noticed a lot of patterns from the previous tours here. Back then (2014), we had an inexperienced side in terms of batting but we have evolved in that department in the last three-four years and are definitely ready to conquer all challenges that are thrown at us," Kohli said.
Kohli refused to bank on past laurels stating that New Zealand's consistency will pose a big challenge.
"The fact that they are the No. 3 ranked side in the world speaks about their consistency. We played them in India and lost in Mumbai. Those matches were quite competitive.
"I think they have a well-balanced unit. It's a mix of youth and experience. Their bowling attack is experienced but at the same time, they (bowlers) are not that old. Tim (Southee), for instance, is an experienced seamer but has that energy and the buzz all the time. Plus they play their cricket in the right way which is something we always appreciate."
Kohli didn't rule out the possibility of playing three seamers but insisted the final call will depend on the availability of an all-rounder.
"It depends on the all-rounder. The strongest sides in the world all have two all-rounders; some even have three. That gives you bowling options to work with. So unless Hardik Pandya or Vijay Shankar doesn't play, three seamers make sense. If the all-rounders step up, you don't need a third seamer," Kohli noted.
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