Wellington: Ish Sodhi, New Zealand's leg-spinner of Indian origin, was the most successful bowler in the T20Is against India recently, taking six wickets in the five-match series which the visitors won 5-0. However, he played just one match in the ODI series thereafter where the hosts won 3-0 and won't be part of the squad for the upcoming two-Test series. He predicted a tough red-ball series nevertheless.

"This is going to be a very competitive series. You cannot choose a favourite between India and New Zealand. I think you can't say anything till the first ball is bowled," said Sodhi, 27, who is a huge role model for the Indian kids here in New Zealand. The sturdy bowler has played 45 T20Is and 42 ODIs, taking 53 and 40 wickets respectively.