New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin remains confident his team can challenge India in their upcoming two-Test series despite their disappointing recent tour of the Caribbean.
The Black Caps failed to give outgoing coach John Wright a winning farewell, suffering comprehensive defeats in each of the two Tests against the West Indies following two Twenty20 losses and 4-1 one-day series defeat.
But Franklin believes the new-look New Zealanders, now under the guidance of Mike Hesson, have prepared well for the trip to India, and said: "We are coming from a tough tour of West Indies, but it's always a new beginning with a new coach and a couple of new faces in the squad. I think the guys are looking forward to take on a strong Indian side in Indian conditions."
He went on: "Overall we have got talent in the side and we will work out with our strategies to come up and play well against India.
"The idea is to compete session by session and we will take it day by day, but the first and foremost thing is to play well on day one. We also have the talent which needs to be transformed into application in the middle.
"Each individual will be backing his game plan and obviously you have got the overall team plan."
Like Franklin, India pace bowler Ishant Sharma will also be aiming to impress and cement his place back in the squad after ankle surgery.
"It is a crucial series for me," the 23-year-old, who missed the 2012 IPL competition due to the injury, told IANS. "I have worked really hard on my fitness and the break has helped tremendously.
"When you are on tour, you tend to get lazy with your training. You don't get much time to prepare.
"I feel fully fit and have been bowling 10 to 12 overs a day at the national cricket academy. I followed a 10am-5pm schedule there and spent a lot of time in the gym and with the physios. I hope it pays off in the series and I am able to take wickets for India."
