India will make their return to Test cricket with an assignment in New Zealand, where they will take on the hosts in a two-match series beginning November 19. The Test leg will be part of an important multi-format tour that gets underway on October 22 and includes 12 matches across the three formats.

India will also have plenty at stake when they face the Black Caps, with the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle moving towards a crucial stage. Ahead of the tour, former New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult believes Indian batter KL Rahul could have an important impact on the series. Boult also felt Yashasvi Jaiswal could also be another player to watch out for. 

"I'm always a big fan of KL Rahul and his style of batsmanship. So he's a big player at the top of the order for the Indian side. And yeah, I believe Jaiswal is there as well. Two classy batters to see bat. So yeah, be interesting to see," Boult told PTI in an exclusive interview.

The tour comes in the October-November period instead of the traditional February-March schedule, and Trent Boult believes the unfamiliar winter conditions could make things difficult for India.

"It's always an exciting chance when the Indian team comes down to play Test cricket in New Zealand," Boult said.

"The only thing I can see happening is it's going to be late October. I believe, just coming out of winter. So it's going to be quite cold. Hopefully, there's a bit of greenness in the wickets for some of our bowlers. It's going to be a good series, I'm sure," he said.

Boult also lauded the current bowling attack of New Zealand, with Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke bringing firepower. 

“Thinking the bowling is very well balanced. It's got bases covered in terms of a good pace, obviously, with Will O'Rourke. Obviously, a bit of swing and a bit of bounce from Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry with his accuracy. So yeah, I think the way me, Tim and Wags did it over the years was a unique way in itself. But there's other strengths and other game plans that our younger bowlers can follow,” Boult said.