Ind vs NZ: 'No fear, take it....', Tom Latham's advice to his side ahead of India challenge

After a series loss versus Sri Lanka, in the Island nation, New Zealand have another stiff challenge waiting as they face a daunting India in a three-match series, starting on Oct 16 in Bengaluru. Ahead of the three Tests, captain Tom Latham -- who recently succeeded Tim Southee as the red-ballskipper -- shared advice for his side, whowill be up againsta daunting Indian team (unbeaten at home since 2012/13). Latham wants his side to play with 'freedom' and take the game to India in the upcoming series.

'Play with freedom, no fear andtake it to them'

Latham was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo, "From my point of view it's about trying to continue doing the good stuff we've been doing, trying to put my spin on things. It's an exciting challengegoing over to India and once we can go over there hopefully [we can] play with a bit of freedom, bit of no fear and try and take it to them. If we do that hopefully gives ourselves a good chance."

He further opined, "Think in India we've seen teams that have done well out there in the past have been quite aggressive towards them, especially with the bat. They've looked to play a few shots, but also put them under pressure which is really important over there, rather than sitting and waiting for something to happen. We'll decide on how we want to play when we get over there, but guys have got plans around how they like to approach things and hopefully we can fine tune those."

Latham took over as the full-time Test captain post Southee's resignation after the SL tour. He haspreviously captained New Zealand’s Test and ODI sides, leading in whitesin nine matches when he filledin for Kane Williamson between 2020-2022. Thus, the left-handed opening batter will bank on his past experience and hope to deliver. He wantsto encourage the players to be themselves and makeleaders within the group.

In this regard, he added, "Will certainly be leaning on those experiences. Obviously a different situation being full-time where you can put your own spin on things but think what I want to do is encourage guys to be themselves, be leaders amongst themselves as well and hopefully if we can do that we can play the brand of cricket we want to play."

NZ's tour of India comprises only three Tests, with the series kicking off in Bengaluru next week. The visitors will be without star batter and former skipper Kane Williamson for the first Test due to groin injury. The second and third Test will be held in Pune and Mumbai, respectively.

The Kiwis, who have won only two out of 36 Testsin India, will need a lot to work in their favour to get past Rohit Sharma-led hosts, who have won as many as 18 consecutiveTest series at home (most-ever) since 2012/13.

NZ squad for India Test series:

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson (ruled out of 1st Test), Will Young