Kiwis will pose a tough challenge to Team India

Looking at the ICC ratings for the test and ODI formats and you'll be forgiven to think that India are one of the top teams in the world. Results have certainly been convincing with series win over England and Sri-Lanka (twice) in the ODI format but in the test format it can still improve.

India emerged with a lot of credit despite losing the test series against Australia down under. Then came a very lucky draw against the South Africans at home before a Mendis-Murali combination put paid to Indian hopes of a win in Sri-Lanka. Beating Australia and England helped, although these were results at home and you can't say that was Australia's best team. As for England, that they played was a miracle in itself given what had happened few weeks before that, away from the game.

So now, team India will go to New Zealand to win only their second series (I think) for around 41 years. It really is a staggering statistic. If we are to serious lay a marker to being the first team in the test format, this statistic must be changed so that we can say we have won another series there. There is something about this Kiwi team, everytime I think they are going to the dogs just like Zimbabwe, Kenya etc they manage to surprise you. On paper, team India with their heavy batting experience in Dravid, Tendulkar, Laxman and Sehwag look impressive along with the best fast bowling duo at the moment in Zaheer and Ishant according to Srinath and the bowler now a referee knew a thing about taking wickets. But team India is such that the moment we think they should kick there comes a setback or two. Even in the home series win against Australia and England, they struggled to create a momentum and needed time to impose themselves against their opponents. The ODI series should be edging more towards India although the Kiwis known for their liveliness in the field will certainly put more pressure.

I am looking forward to seeing Gambir in particular impress in conditions different to that found on the sub-continent. Sehwag will be his usual (if he hits it off, he will be the difference between a win and a draw or even the difference between a win and a loss). Much will be expected of Tendulkar and Dravid who will most likely play here for the last time given how much contempt is shown towards the Kiwis when it comes to arranging tours but all I expect from them is resillence and support towards the lesser known players. It is time for Gambir and Yuvraj to step up. In the bowling I don't expect the spinner to play a big role so Bhajji will strictly work as somebody to contain rather than attack.

It certainly be exciting!