India is a familiar place for lot of us: Taylor

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor is banking on the "familiarity" factor to challenge the Indians in the upcoming two-match Test series, starting in Hyderabad on Thursday.

A lot of Kiwi players are familiar with the conditions here as they have played in the Indian Premier League, and Taylor said they needed to work out a specific strategy in the run-up to the first Test.

"We know we have lot of work to do in next two-three days to make sure we are prepared for the challenge ahead," Taylor said.

"We would certainly like to put some good plans in place and be positive about the way we look to play. India is a familiar place for (a) lot of us. We have played well here and are looking forward to the contest," he added.

During their last trip to India, in 2010, the Black Caps had drawn two Test matches, and Taylor hoped his team will play equally well this time too.

"We hadn't had bad memories the last time we played here. Brendon (McCullum) got 225. We had our opportunities but Harbhajan batted well and took the game away from us. However, it is a different time of the year, and hopefully, we will continue to play well," the 28-year-old said.

Taylor knows it's tough to tame the Indians here but hoped to put the hosts under pressure.

"It is a good place to play. India is always tough in their home conditions. Whether they play north or down south they play very well," Taylor told reporters.

"They have a few spinners in their side and we don't play lot of spinners back home. It will be a good challenge and we are looking forward to put India under pressure.

"We should be careful about the reverse swing and the spinners. We have to learn quickly through the series," he Taylor added.

Talking about the team composition, Taylor said, "We are going to lose a bit from (Daniel) Vettori. A player of his stature with more than 100 Tests to his credit ... but it gives an opportunity to Jeetan Patel and debutant Tarun Nethula.

"Martin Guptil and Brendon will open the innings. Brendon batted well here on previous occasion, and hopefully, he will continue in the same vein in the upcoming Tests," he said.

Battling a lack of form himself, Taylor is also hoping to get back his touch during the series.

"I feel a big innings is due. Hopefully, I will get it in Hyderabad in the next few days. I have not been scoring in recent games which is a bit disappointing," he said.

Mike Hesson, who succeeded John Wright as the Kiwi head coach, said it is a good opportunity for him as well to start with the series against India.

"It is a great opportunity to start afresh (after John Wright). We have a few changes to our side and we are looking forward to obviously put India under pressure," he said.

"The Hyderabad pitch does assist swing bowling and it has a bit of pace and bounce in it. In Bangalore there can be a lot of variety, but we are preparing to face both the conditions and play accordingly," added Hesson.

Photograph: Daniel Munoz/Reuters