Mike Hesson downplays expectations after India thrashing

India's Ashish Nehra is bowled by Adam Milne. Photo / AP

Mike Hesson is downplaying expectations after New Zealand's brilliant opening T20 World Cup win over hosts India.

The Black Caps coach described the atmosphere in India as "chaos" but a man known for a measured personalty wasn't getting carried away by the 47 run win at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur.

"It's far too early for that...just getting out of the pool will be incredibly difficult," Hesson replied, when asked by NewstalkZB's Mike Hosking if New Zealand could take out the title.

Hesson said the players were "inundated by fans" and that all of India was gripped by the tournament.

Listen: Mike Hesson talks to Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking

"India are under huge pressure...we are delighted, we were pretty unfancied," he said.

"They are favourites for the title and have won nine of their last 10. We were pretty unfancied. But we realise it is a long tournament."

The pitch did not favour high run scoring but each stadium would be different. He described New Zealand's decision to pick three spinners as "a brave call".

"In order to compete here we have to take an unconventional route," he said.