IND vs NZ: Clarity of mind very crucial in away conditions, says Kohli

Ahead of the New Zealand series, India skipper Virat Kohli stressed that they need 'clarity of mind' as they are going to play in the away conditions.

"We want to bat well when we bat first and in case we're defending a low total, we should be able to do that as well. [...] Clarity of mind is really crucial because we're playing in conditions that are not ours, so we have to take even more intensity into that series to put the home team under pressure, set that sort of template from game one and build from there," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Kohli as saying.

India are high on confidence as they won the three-match ODI series against Australia 2-1. The Kohli-led team will now tour to New Zealand to play five T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

Kohli wants the team to play 'expressive cricket' and do not ease into the series after two games.

"We can't afford to ease into the series after two games, because then it keeps getting tougher and tougher, so we'll look to make a mark in the first game that we play, play expressive cricket and be sure of what we want to do," he said.

India will take on New Zealand in the first T20I on January 24.

India tour of New Zealand 2020 full schedule

T20 International Series
Date and Day	Match	venue	Time (IST)
Jan 24, Friday	1st T20	Eden Park, Auckland	12:30 PM
Jan 26, Sunday	2nd T20	Eden Park, Auckland	12:30 PM
Jan 29, Wednesday	3rd T20	Seddon Park, Hamilton	12:30 PM
Jan 31, Friday	4th T20	Westpac Stadium, Wellington	12:30 PM
Feb 02, Sunday	5th T20	Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui	12:30 PM
One Day International Series
Date and Day	Match	venue	Time (IST)
Feb 05, Wednesday	1st ODI	Seddon Park, Hamilton	7:30 AM
Feb 08, Saturday	2nd ODI	Eden Park, Auckland	7:30 AM
Feb 11, Tuesday	3rd ODI	Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui	7:30 AM
Test Series
Date and Day	Match	venue	Time (IST)
Feb 21, Fri - Feb 25, Tue	1st Test	Basin Reserve, Wellington	4:00 AM
Feb 29, Sat - Mar 04, Wed	2nd Test	Hagley Oval, Christchurch	4:00 AM