IND vs NZ: Tom Latham gets into a direct conflict with Rohit Sharma before the series

New Zealand Test captain Tom Latham wants his team to play an aggressive brand of cricket in the upcoming Test series against India. This will be Latham's first Test series as a full-time New Zealand captain after he replaced Tim Southee for the role.

The three-match Test series between India and New Zealand will begin from October 16 in Bengaluru. While India is considered as the huge favorite going into the match being the home team, New Zealand still believe that they can cause a huge upset here.

Skipper Tom Latham is confident of his team's abilities and believes that the only way to tackle India is to attack. New Zealand's recent form has not been that great to guarantee any confidence from them. They were recently whitewashed 0-2 by Sri Lanka on pitches offering spin.

Meanwhile, their opponents India are coming on the back of a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh. India have been in form and are a formidable side at home. Tom Latham and his men are likely to face a stern challenge.

Also read: Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After Pakistan vs England 1st Test 2024

Tom Lathan reveals New Zealand's plan to face India

While speaking ahead of the series, Tom Latham looked at the positive side of things despite NZ's poor form. He also mentioned that he wants his team to play without any fear and take the game to the home team.

"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 exciting and challenging going over to India and once we can go over there hopefully [we can] play with a bit of freedom, a bit of no fear, and try and take it to them. If we do that hopefully gives ourselves a good chance," Latham said.

Tom Latham wants New Zealand to be aggressive

Tom Latham further stated that he wants New Zealand to be aggressive with their shot-making which can take India by surprise. The rest of the plan will be decided only after they have a look at the pitch.

"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 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 added.

New Zealand have only won 2 out of 36 Tests in India, in 1969 in Nagpur and 1988 in Mumbai. Despite some close margins over the years, NZ have been unable to topple India but will aim to turn the game around in this series.

Tom Latham on Tim Southee's role against India

The New Zealand captain also spoke about the former captain Tim Southee and his role in the series. Latham believes that Southee has the experience and skills to make a difference in the series.

"If you look back, think in Bangalore (Tim Southee) took seven wickets last time we toured there. Someone with that amount of experience who's done it for many years there's certainly no reason why he can't get back to where he's been in the past," Latham said.

"He's been a fantastic bowler for us for many years, there's a reason why he's so high on the wicket list for New Zealand," the 32-year-old added.

Tim Southee decided to give up the captaincy after New Zealand's disappointing performance in the Tests in Sri Lanka. Being the senior seamer in the squad, he will have a key role to play in the upcoming series.

Young William O'Rourke, who has had a fantastic start to his Test career is likely to partner Southee in the upcoming series. Tim Southee picked up a memorable 7-64 in a Test against India in Bengaluru, the same ground where the first Test will be played.