New Delhi: Team India left for New Zealand on Sunday to play ODIs and 2 Test matches. The New Zealanders are minnows in front of India as the records tell, but this is cricket where anything can happen.India is World's number one ranked team in One day internationals whereas the Black Caps are on 8th position. The last time both met each other was on Indian soil when New Zealand came to India for a 5 match ODI series in which India made a clean sweep. India is visiting New Zealand after a gap of 4 years. In March 2009, Team India visited New Zealand and won the 5 ODI match series 3-1. But the morale and confidence of the New Zealanders must be on a high as recently they thrashed West Indies in both the ODIs and Test matches. On the other hand, India faced crushing defeats at the hands of South Africa by the end of 2013 in both ODIs and Tests.For New Zealand, bowlers are a big concern, as there is no fierce bowler present in the side but the batting department can become a challenge for the visitors, as recently Corey Anderson has broken the 17 year old record of scoring fastest century by Shahid Afridi and he will be looking forward to carry his awesome form forward against India.Black Caps opener Jesse Ryder is also an aggressive batsman to look out for, because he is that kind of a batsman who can score quick runs and if he remains on the pitch for the first 10-15 overs it would be very difficult to remove him .Skipper Ross Taylor and Brendon McCullum both can bat really good and take their side into a comfortable position when batting first whereas the two can help in chasing big totals too.For India, pace attack is somehow fine as Mohammed Shami is in red hot form and he will assist senior bowler Ishant Sharma who had a good series in South Africa.But the spin department will be a concern for India as their main bowler R Ashwin is struggling with the ball. Only Ravindra Jadeja is doing good in he spin department and getting wickets on flighted deliveries.There is no concern regarding Indian batting department as the line up can post a mammoth total on the scoreboard and also can chase the same leaving some overs behind.Overall, we will witness some good cricket action from both sides in the coming days of January and February.
