New Zealand vs India 1st Test live streaming

After demolishing the New Zealand bowling attack with consummate ease in one-dayers, explosive opener Virender Sehwag will once again be crucial for India to dominate New Zealand in the Test series starting on Wednesday, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said.

Speaking to reporters on the eve of the first Test, Dhoni said he wants Sehwag to play his natural game.

"We want him to play the way he wants to play, because that is his natural style. We all know if he gets going he can dominate the bowlers and all of a sudden you see the bowling attack rattled," the 27-year-old said.

"We have seen if he plays for two hours or three hours, he is a batsman who is capable of getting big scores. He is not the kind who gets out in 30s or 40s; 50s or 60s. If he gets going, he gets big scores."

With India chasing an elusive Test series victory in New Zealand, something they haven't achieved in 41 years, Dhoni knows the importance of an in-form Sehwag up the order.

The right-handed batsman can change the course of the game in one session by pulverising any bowling attack into submission.