'WV Raman's expertise will make a big difference' – Mithali Raj

The tour will be India's first since the ICC Women's World T20 2018, where they reached the semi-final, and the first for Raman, who was appointed as Ramesh Powar's successor last month.

A former India batsman, Raman has played 11 Tests and 27 ODIs for his country. He also has the experience of coaching India Under 19, state sides Bengal and Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, and has been a part of the coaching staff at Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

Raj expects the new coach's experience and expertise to "make a big difference to the team".

"When the coach comes for the national side, we as a team are very vocal and expressive with regards to what is required for the team, the benefit of the team," said Raj during India's pre-departure press conference on Sunday, 13 January. "The coach and players have to be on the same page because that’s very important, and the coach understands.

"I have not trained under him (Raman) but met him a couple of time. If you have seen his credentials ... he has played [at the highest level] and also coached various teams at various levels.

"There is no expectation as such. When you have credentials like that you are only positive that the coach will make a big difference to the team going into this year, going into this series."

Raj added that the ODI series, which will be a part of the ICC Women's Championship, will be crucial for qualification for the ICC Women's World Cup in 2021.

"Right now, the focus definitely is the New Zealand series, but as a captain and as a team we understand the importance of the points system and how important it is for us to gain those points to get an entry into the 2021 World Cup. We know where we stand right now in the tables and this series should be crucial from that perspective."

Raman, who is coaching a women's side for the first time, said he is ready to take up the "slightly different" challenge.

"Every coaching assignment will have its challenge," said Raman. "This is slightly different because it is a different segment, but again the common denominator is cricket because they are going to play cricket. In terms of tactics, technique and various other things there is not much difference. So, I, therefore, don’t see as something totally different. It is slightly different yes, but not totally different."

Both captain and coach insisted that the controversy and the difference of opinion in the team following the T20 World Cup appearance was in the past.

"It definitely did hamper women’s cricket in a not so good way," said Raj. "When a lot has been spoken about non-cricketing things, it's not so good. But now we are getting an opportunity where we can perform and let people talk about the team’s performance [and] that will only enhance the profile of the sport."