The Blackcaps are giving nothing away in their potential selections for the second and final test against India, beginning at Mumbai on Friday.
After escaping from Kanpur with a draw, New Zealand and India with have everything to play for over the coming five days of the second test.
Despite avoiding defeat, the make-up of the Blackcaps team will be in focus for Mumbai, with a possible return for fast bowler Neil Wagner.
Wagner, 35, was the unlucky man to miss the playing XI at Kanpur, as New Zealand went toe-to-toe with India, picking Ajaz Patel, Will Somerville and debutant Rachin Ravindra for the first test.
But on a wicket favouring spin - with India's trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel taking 17 of the 19 Kiwi wickets to fall - the Blackcaps tweakers struggled.
Ajaz took 3/150 in the match, while Ravindra filled the all-rounder's spot and heroically batted New Zealand to safety with an unbeaten 18 from 91 balls in the second innings to stave off defeat.
Should the Blackcaps bring Wagner back into the side, along with Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson, one of the spinners would likely be dropped.
Despite his matchsaving 36 from 110 balls in the second innings, Somerville looms as the likeliest candidate to make way, with match figures of 0/98 across both innings.
Conditions will play the biggest part in the selection. Traditionally among the faster and bouncier pitches in the country, Mumbai's seam-assisting conditions will also be boosted by rain over the city in the last day.
But Mumbai's groundstaff would almost certainly prepare a wicket that favours spin, after New Zealand's struggles at Kanpur.
No final decisions will be made before the team can assess the conditions at Wankhede Stadium.
"Unfortunately not, it's been a long couple of days for us," says opener batter Tom Latham.
"Obviously a travel day after the test and then had a bit of rain here in Mumbai yesterday, so we haven't actually been down to the ground yet.
"We've got training this afternoon. Hopefully we can get out there, have a hit and get prepared for tomorrow.
"But from a playing XI point of view, I'm sure [coach Gary Stead and captain Kane Williamson] are talking through that, in terms of what that may look like, depending on the surface.
"It's been under covers for a day or so. I'm sure when they're able to see the wicket, they'll be clear on what the XI looks like."
Known for his unrelenting attitude, Wagner's inclusion could actually serve as a blessing in disguise for India.
As a left-armer, Wagner's inclusion would cause footmarks outside a right-hander's off-stump, opening the door for the likes of India's Ashwin to target New Zealand, with four of New Zealand's top seven batters being right-handed.
But Latham asserts that Wagner will make the playing XI, if he's judged as the best option for a Blackcaps side chasing their first test series victory on Indian soil.
"I'm sure Neil would want to play, I think everyone in the side would want to play," Latham adds. "Everyone's got reasons to play in this side.
"For us, it's about just trying to go in with the best make-up we feel is important for that five days.
"I'm sure those conversations will be had when we're able to get to the ground."
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