Statistics make an easy understanding of India’s last tour to New Zealand. Virender Sehwag was the only man amongst runs, scoring two centuries while the others struggled to reach double figures. As Team India are set to return to the country after a gap of five years, Sehwag’s form makes him one of the most dependable batsmen yet again. But surprisingly, the opener tells The Indian Express that his slam-bang style is not suited to those conditions, and that he wants to be more watchful at the crease this time around.

The last tour to New Zealand was almost five years ago but the memories are still fresh. What can you recall from that series?

• The first thing I remember is that I scored two centuries. And, that apart, there was green grass all around. The Test matches were getting over in two to three days, and the fast bowlers were dictating terms. Hopefully, this time the games will be longer and wickets will be better for batsmen. We are a better bowling side now, and New Zealand will have to think twice before giving us the kind of wickets they dished out last time.

Is your brand of aggressive batting is the perfect antidote for the conditions?

• On the contrary, my brand of batting is just not the way to bat in New Zealand (laughs). Honestly, it’s not suited for conditions in which the ball is seaming all over. In New Zealand, one has to hang around at the crease, understand the conditions, bounce and the bowlers before deciding to play the shots.

... contd.