India looking forward to taking on New Zealand pacers in their backyard: Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan is named captain for New Zealand ODIs

After clinching the T20Is 1-0, India under stand-in captain Shikhar Dhawan will look to win the three-match One-Day International series against hosts New Zealand starting Friday. 

Dhawan, who will lead an side brimming with youngsters, sounded alarm bells for the New Zealand bowlers ahead of the first ODI at Eden Park in Auckland.

During the trophy unveiling, according to ANI, Dhawan said that the Team India batters are up for a challenge and will look to take on the Kiwi's pace attack in their backyard. India's batting will be without the experience of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya.

New Zealand bowlers are known to exploit their home conditions, which are helpful for fast bowling. Even without Trent Boult, the Black Caps have pacers likes Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, and Matt Henry in their ranks.

Here's what Dhawan said

"They have been a good side, a consistent one. They have got a great pace attack and we look forward to taking that challenger in these conditions and batting well. Boys did well in T20Is and we want to carry that momentum in ODIs."

Dhawan, who is now a regular affair in only ODIs, also talked about players, who are seated on the bench and wait for their chance to shine. 

"It is great for the team, because it has so many great players. Communication on part of coach and captain is the key in such situations. Players get clarity that why they are not being played. When such transparency is there, players understand that this all for the bigger interest, the interest of the team."

The second and third ODI will be played on 27 and 30 November.

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