Mark Richardson: Time to back batsmen and Sodhi

Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi. Photo / Getty Images

Perhaps Hamilton, Wellington and Auckland are the more likely venues for the Blacks Caps to topple the might of India but today in Napier is a chance to make a very large statement and prove something to us and themselves.

The ball could move around in the air and off the track at the other venues and Auckland, in particular, can offer a slow, awkward bounce. In these conditions, I back the Black Caps somewhat because they will be more accepting of the degree of difficulty than the Indians.

But if McLean Park in Napier plays true to form, then Kohli, Raina, Dhawan, Sharma and Co will not quite believe how accommodating New Zealand has been to them in their tour opener.

However, that is also a chance for the Black Caps' top and middle order to prove they can foot it with the best when it comes to destructive stroke play and power.

Guptill, Ryder, Williamson, Taylor, McCullum, Anderson and Ronchi is as good a batting line-up as I have seen in the Black Caps for a long time and right now I've as much faith in them as I've had for aeons.

Not since the Black Caps contained batsmen by the names of Astle, Fleming, Twose, McMillan and Cairns have I been moved to such a feeling. Incidentally, those were the names that saw New Zealand through to their first major title when they beat India in the Champions Trophy in 2000.

It would be well and good trying to nullify the Indian batting threat by putting seam movement in the surfaces but how great would it be if we were to back the power of our own batting unit and they were to repay that faith?

Guptill, Ryder, Williamson, Taylor and McCullum are all experienced players and the next12 months is the time to show it.

For too long now, a capable but far from awe-inspiring bowling unit has been the people's favourite in this country; I'm ready for our batsmen to take the lead role now.

Anyway putting all the faith in our bowlers in our bowling conditions could be fraught with danger - because the Indian batsmen are getting a bit better in those conditions and they certainly have bowlers to exploit them.

This tour could be make or break for Adam Milne and Ish Sodhi. These two have the potential X-Factor to make the Black Caps bowling unit potent worldwide.

If Milne is on song, he will ruffle Indian feathers but if not, they will smash him - and the search for a spearhead will continue.

The Indians will take great pride in trying to destroy the blossoming wrist spin of Sodhi but if Sodhi can survive (he doesn't need to dominate), he will come out the other side consolidated as the long-term replacement for Daniel Vettori.