The Black Caps have recalled all-rounder Jimmy Neesham to the Test squad the upcoming tour of India.
Neesham is the sole addition to the side that recently toured Africa, with Matt Henry and Jeet Raval dropping out of the team.
Opener Martin Guptill retains his place in the side despite a disappointing performance in South Africa.
Guptill scored a combined 15 runs in his three innings against the Proteas and Black Caps selector Gavin Larsen said the embattled opener knows he needs to produce.
"The reality is this is a really important test series for Martin, his numbers are down, but we do believe this is an environment in which Martin Guptill can prosper.
"Guppy has experience in sub-continent conditions and we still believe if he plays his natural game and transfers that white ball style across to tests he can be a very successful test match cricketer."
It's contrasting fortunes for Neesham who re-joins the side after recent stints with the Otago Volts and English county side Derbyshire.
"Jimmy has put in a lot of work to make sure he is physically ready for a return to Test cricket," said Larsen.
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"Having two pace bowling all-rounders in Jimmy and Doug Bracewell helps the balance of the squad, particularly if playing on pitches which demand a spin-heavy bowling attack."
The team will play a three-day warm up in New Delhi ahead of three Tests in Kanpur, Kolkata and Indore.
Larsen noted it was important the side was well equipped for the spin friendly conditions that await them on the tour.
Mitch Santner and Ish Sodhi will have benefitted from getting a taste of Indian conditions earlier this year at the ICC World Twenty20 and both showed excellent form at that tournament.
"It's another big challenge for them early in their young careers, as well as for Mark Craig, who has made some changes in the past six months and has shown growth in his game."
The Black Caps are yet to win a Test series in India.
Black Caps: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell , Mark Craig, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Jimmy Neesham, Henry Nicholls, Luke Ronchi, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling.
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