Opinion: Blackcaps v India: Four questions that need answers

Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson will need to be in top form against the world's best ODI side
Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson will need to be in top form against the world's best ODI side Photo credit: Getty

OPINION: The Blackcaps have never won an ODI series in India, and it's going to be harder than ever to change that when their three-match series gets underway on Sunday.

India is the number one side in the world, winning nine of their last 10 in their own backyard and boasting superstars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni.

Here are four key questions ahead of the ODI series.

1. Can Colin Munro fire at the top of the order?

The powerhouse batsman looks to have the inside running to open alongside Martin Guptill. With Tom Latham shifting down to five, Munro has a big opportunity to cement a spot.

His brutal hitting is set to give him the edge over George Worker, and a fast start is exactly what coach Mike Hesson is after.

The left-hander scores runs for fun at domestic level but has struggled to make the step up to international cricket. Munro is the definition of a boom-or-bust batsman, and the Blackcaps will need him to be firing on all cylinders in India.

2. How will Tom Latham fare lower down the order?

Latham's likely to wear the gloves throughout the series, and he's also been sent to bat at five. While he doesn't have the power of Corey Anderson or Jimmy Neesham, the 25-year old's capable of playing a measured knock, and he's one of New Zealand's best players of spin.

Scores of 59 and 108 in the two warm-up games suggest he's more than comfortable with the transition, but there are still questions about his ability to clear the ropes on a regular basis.

Can he be the man to close out an innings or propel the Blackcaps to a big score? His career strike rate of 80.31 isn't staggering, meaning the Blackcaps will need the likes of Colin de Grandhomme to contribute late in the game.

3. Will NZ be able to ease the pressure on Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor?

It's no secret that if the Blackcaps are to produce a stunning upset, they'll need their two premier batsman to prosper on the dusty pitches. Williamson and Taylor are the backbone of this side, and New Zealand struggle when the pair fail to make big scores.

Guptill, Latham and Mitchell Santner will all need to chip in with handy runs to achieve competitive totals, otherwise they're at risk of being spun out and collapsing cheaply.

4. Can Ish Sodhi and Santner dent the Indian batting line-up?

The Blackcaps have long struggled against spin, with legspinner Amit Mishra taking 15 wickets from five ODIs in their series last year.

But their own stocks are in good shape, despite Todd Astle being ruled out due to a groin injury. Santner's developing into a top-line spinner, and was one of the stars at last year's T20 World Cup.

Sodhi can be expensive but will be relishing the chance to give it a rip in ideal conditions, and he's a genuine wicket-taker. If New Zealand are to have any joy against the favourites, their spin kings will have to hold up an end and give great support to the likes of Trent Boult.

Henry Rounce is a radio reporter for Newshub.