Photo Gallery: 5 batsmen expected to lead the run chart in India-New Zealand series

Virat Kohli's name cannot miss any such list. Despite being just on his second full tour of New Zealand, he is expected to top the run scoring charts in the series. His ability to score runs in any condition and situation has made him the number 1 batsman in ODI cricket. Kohli's game has developed to a whole new level since he has taken over the captaincy. His fierce desire to score runs against New Zealand can be seen from the fact, that he has been the leading run-scorer in the last two ODI series played out between these teams. Virat Kohli scored 291 runs at an average of 58.20 and a strike-rate of above 100, when India last played an ODI series in New Zealand. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@BCCI)

Kane Williamson is hailed as one of the best batsmen of this era, second only to Virat Kohli. His ability to perform in any format, combined with his consistency makes him arguably the best batsman in the history of Kiwi cricket. The rivalry shared between him and Virat Kohli has been going on since the U-19 days. In the 2008 U-19 World Cup, Williamson was handed the captaincy of New Zealand, with Kohli leading his side to the World Cup title. The two players are all set to battle it out once again, not only with the bat in hand but also with regard to captaincy. Williamson has scored five half-centuries in the last five games between India and New Zealand on the latter's home turf, and will be looking to ensure more of the same. (Photo Courtesy: Reuters)

Ross Taylor is the senior-most player in the current New Zealand side and has been a prolific run-scorer for the nation in recent times. The 34-year old veteran has always shown that there is no alternative to experience as evident from his consistency in different conditions and situations. In the previous series against Sri Lanka, Taylor scored the most number of runs by any batsman in the series, accumulating 281 runs, at an average of 93.66 and a strike-rate of 102.93, which comprised of two half-centuries and a century. Taylor's performances have helped him rise to the number 3 spot in the ODI batting rankings, trailing only Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It will be interesting to see, how the veteran uses his experience to tackle the quality Indian bowling attack. (Photo Courtesy: PTI)

Shikhar Dhawan's performances are often over-shadowed by the success of his team-mates Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Despite this he has attempted to make every opportunity count at the top of the order. His runs come at a quick strike-rate with Dhawan enjoying the ability to take the game away from the opposition. His speciality lies in his ability to deliver the finest performances under pressure. Dhawan will be looking to provide quality support to Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, with excellent performances. While Rohit will be expected to anchor the innings, the 33-year-old opener will be looking to play the aggressor's role. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@ICC)

Rohit Sharma is often hailed as the best opener in recent times. Despite his current record in New Zealand not being noteworthy, he will go into the series with a lot of confidence, having smashed runs at will against Australia in the recently concluded series. Sharma's past experience of conditions in New Zealand will definitely help him dominate the likes of Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Quality performances against the Kiwis will certainly indicate why the opener is rated so highly amongst the current batsmen. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@BCCI)