India vs New Zealand 2016: 5 reasons why the Kiwis can win their first series in India

The Indian squad for the 3-match Test series against New Zealand has been announced. The selectors have decided to go in with the tried and trusted combination and have retained 15 of the 17 players which toured West Indies.

The stage has now been set for what promises to be an intriguing contest. New Zealand will believe that they too have the players which have the potential to spring a surprise on their day, and hence the hosts will have to guard against complacency.

Also, right through the series, the pitches will be put under the scrutiny, and this is where the difference between the teams can be deciphered.

The Kiwis too have named a squad which has all bases covered, and thus the series promises to be a cracking affair.

Here in this list, we take a look at 5 reasons why New Zealand can harbour hopes of upstaging India in the upcoming series.

#5 Team balance

A squad which has all bases covered

New Zealand have always been blessed with quality all-rounders, and this squad is no different. In Mitchell Santner and Jimmy Neesham, they have two players who can flourish on most days. While Neesham is a seam-bowling all-rounder, Santner provides variety with his slow left-arm option.

Apart from this, they also have bowlers who can extract assistance from even dead pitches, and batsmen who have the ability to dig and churn out scores. In Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Tom Latham, the visitors have got a lot of depth in their batting.

While Trent Boult and Tim Southee can examine the technique of the batsmen with their seam and swing,  Neil Wagner has the ability to hustle the batsmen with pace.

The squad has almost all bases covered and there is no reason why they cannot outsmart the Indians.