Hamilton: India have been forced to open with a brand new pair of Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal (who hadn't reached Hamilton by the time the practice session got underway on Tuesday) even though they have an option in KL Rahul. "Prithvi is in the team and will definitely start with whoever the replacement is [Agarwal], we've asked for an opener. KL will play in the middle-order. We want him to get used to that role at No. 5 and keep [wickets] as well," said Kohli, ruling out the possibility of sending Rahul up the order as he will be tired after 'keeping for 50 overs if India have to chase.

Shaw has happy memories of New Zealand, having led India to a U-19 World Cup triumph in 2018 when his side beat Australia at Mount Maunganui on February 3. Last month, he hit a hundred for India 'A' in a practice game against New Zealand XI at Lincoln.