There is something about New Zealand cricket and Patels. And that would certainly not be spinning a tale if you have known about Dipak Patel and Jeetan Patel. Currently, the tradition of a Patel putting revolutions on a ball for New Zealand in international cricket is in the hands of Ajaz Patel.

The left-arm spinner, who used to be a seamer in his teens, is in the Black Caps squad for the Test series in India and is also likely to feature in the playing XI when the first Test begins in Kanpur on Thursday.

Ajaz, who was born in Mumbai, is aware of the challenges of bowling on Indian pitches.

“Obviously, we know what India offers in terms of spin bowling but at the same time we know the challenges of facing India at home as well. It’s a challenge as a spinner, but it’s something I’m really excited about and thriving on, so I’m looking forward to it,” the 33-year-old said.

“The SG ball is definitely different, quite similar to the Dukes… Quite a hard ball and actually I am finding it quite nice to grip. But it also offers different challenges, slightly different style of bowling.

“It’s been pretty good (preparation). We have been moving around a lot but at the same time we have a lot of time to train and get used to the conditions. Hopefully, we have got enough work done.”

About India, from where his parents migrated to New Zealand when he was eight, Ajaz said: “I have been to parts of India now that I haven’t really seen before. India has been really cool but bit of a shame that we can’t really get out and experience India but that’s the nature of the world at the moment.

“India is about hustle and bustle. There is a bit of excitement about India. I always think about it as organised chaos to a certain degree, something that really makes it special.

Off-spinner Will Sommerville is likely to partner Ajaz in the first Test.