Christchurch (New Zealand), Feb.25 The New Zealand cricket team will seek to put pressure on explosive Indian opener Virender Sehwag during the series that includes two Twenty20 matches, five one-day internationals and three Tests.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori made no attempt to diminish the influence the 30-year-old could exert throughout the tour.

"Sehwag creates a lot of momentum for them, he can take a game away from a side quite quickly. A lot of our emphasis is on him and their opening partnership," he said.

"If we can put some pressure on India early, maybe that gives us a chance but if those guys get away it will be hard to pull them back in," he added.

"If you look at the batting line-up, and look at their records and statistics and you almost sit back in awe," Vettori admitted.

"Now, they're coupling that with a pretty impressive seam attack and one of the best spinners in the world in Harbhajan (Singh)," he added.

Sehwag is set to take centre stage, albeit briefly, when India's tour gets underway at the AMI Stadium here when the first of two Twenty20 slogfests are held under lights.

Sehwag, who first caught New Zealand unawares when he blazed a match-winning century during a Tri-Series encounter in Colombo, Sri Lanka eight years ago, is an obvious danger as the star-studded Indian team strive to start their 10-match tour on a high.

According to stuff.co.nz, the opener will set down an early marker when the tourists make their first attempt to assimilate to New Zealand conditions.

It will also be the home side's first opportunity to implement bowling strategies against Sehwag, who averages 51.06 in Tests with a strike rate of 78 runs per 100 balls.

However, Vettori accepted the expectation on his side were high despite the Indians holding superior International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings in each format. (ANI)