Excited to test NZ's bench strength in T20 series against India: Williamson

The deflating ODI loss behind him, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson Tuesday said he is excited about the prospect of testing unheralded players against a "top" team like India in the T20 series starting Wednesday.

New Zealand have drafted in two debutants -- all-rounder Daryl Mitchell and right-arm pacer Blair Tickner -- in the T20 squad besides all-rounder Scott Kuggeleijen, who has played just one T20 and wicketkeeper Tim Seifert (8 T20s). The Kiwis lost the five-match ODI series 1-4.

Williamson said with Martin Guptill ruled out due to a back injury, some rookie players will be in action in the three-match T20 series against India.

"Martin (Guptill) has been ruled out of the series because of a back injury. We have a different squad altogether with some new faces. We are going to see some debutants throughout the series and it is really exciting," the Kiwi skipper said on the eve of the opening T20.

"It's a positive thing that a number of guys are getting opportunities to have those experiences against a fantastic Indian side."
"It's (World Cup) not that far away now. Any opportunity you get to play in international cricket is beneficial. It's (T20s) still an important fixture especially against a competitive side like India. So, I think all the people involved in the series will get a lot out of it."