Time in the middle key to Martin Guptill's return to form

Martin Guptill (Photosport)
Martin Guptill (Photosport)

Much maligned opening batsmen Martin Guptill is delighted his return to form has coincided with a series levelling win for the Blackcaps.

Guptill scored a match-high 72, to help steer his side to an above-par score of 260 on a wearing pitch, and he believes winning the toss and batting first were key to the success.

"It was a lot easier to play when the ball was a bit newer," he said.

The 30-year-old, who's ODI average is a touch over 50 in 2016, said his best form is just around the corner as he looks to rebuild confidence following an horrific time with the bat in recent Test matches.

"Opening the batting is probably the hardest place to bat. You're going to get a good ball, things like that happen but you have to get through that."

"I was able to bat a period of time and going forward hopefully I can spend a little but more time in the middle."

"I wasn't as fluid as I would have liked, but at the end of the day I'll take 72 any day of the week."

The Black Caps reduced India to 207 for nine before a last wicket partnership got the hosts got within 20 runs thanks to 34 runs between Dhawal Kulkarni and Umesh Yadav.

Guptill said credit for restricting the hosts goes to the Blackcaps spin attack.

"They got a little partnership going on but Ish [Sodhi] came on and broke that and the way he and [Mitchell] Santner bowled today was top draw, absolutely world class."

The Black Caps will push for a first ODI series win in India on Saturday night in Visakhapatnam.

Newshub.