India vs New Zealand 2017: 5 Kiwi players to watch out for

The Blackcaps are on Indian shores and after a dispiriting start, they got their act together in the second warm-up match against Board President's XI.

This win would instil a lot of purpose and belief into the squad as they await the Indian team, one which is brimming with a lot of confidence and riding on a wave of momentum.

However, much like the New Zealand teams of the past, this particular bunch cannot be underestimated at any cost, since they are capable of upsetting the apple cart on any given day.

Here, in this article, we take a look at five Kiwi players who can pose a threat to the Indian team in the upcoming ODI series.

#5 Matt Henry

Can ruffle quite a few Indian feathers

The robust right arm quick did create some issues for the Indian batting lineup on his last tour to the country. He is now equipped with some IPL experience and can be a significant hurdle to the flamboyant Indian batting lineup.

Henry has the pace to rattle the batting and he generally uses the pitch to his advantage, something that has proven to be problematic for India over the past 15 months.

Also, he has the ability to come back during the end overs and deliver yorkers to perfection. A definite threat!

#4 Mitchell Santner

The X-factor in the team

The southpaw has often been compared to Daniel Vettori and he did his chances no harm on his previous trip. Now, with the experience of one entire season behind him, the all-rounder can be New Zealand's X-factor in the upcoming series.

He keeps things tight during the middle overs and can chip in with few wickets too. Also, he is a decent batsman and has the ability to hold his end up. Having said this, if the need arises, he can use the long handle to great effect.

And then there is his fielding, an absolute whippet on the field, Santner can be New Zealand's shining light on the tour.

#3 Martin Guptill

A match-winner by all means

This series may well be a showdown between two prolific openers against the white ball. While Rohit Sharma has established himself as one of the marquee openers, Guptill is not too far behind.

He had a very quiet ODI series last year and would love to reverse his fortunes this time around. He bats at the top of the order and on his day, has the ability to tear apart any bowling attack.

New Zealand would want him to set the tone early in the match and in the series because if Guptill is in form, half the job is done!

#2 Tom Latham

Dual role expected

The left-hander struck form in the second warm-up clash against the Board President's XI when he scored a match-winning 108 in Mumbai.

He might also take up the wicket-keeping gloves to render balance to the side, but his worth lies with his ability with the bat. He can switch gears easily and has the ability to not only absorb pressure when wickets tumble but also assert his supremacy when called upon to do so.

Also, New Zealand coach Mike Hesson believes that he is a good player against spin bowling and hence will be a crucial component in the middle overs.

#1 Ross Taylor

In great form

Probably the biggest threat for India is the 33-year-old veteran Ross Taylor who has been in some great form in the recent past.

Like Latham, Taylor scored a century in the second warm-up match and signalled his intent with some aplomb. He has all the experience to be a crucial cog for New Zealand in the middle and death overs.

Also, he was without an IPL team this season and hence would want to stake his claim before next year's auctions in no uncertain terms.

A big series for the former captain who has the ability to win matches all on his own!