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Kiwis keen to finish tour on a high

Luke Ronchi is hoping New Zealand can perform well during the upcoming one-day series against India

The haven't played a one-day international for eight months but Luke Ronchi is banking on New Zealand's form in the 50-over format to lift spirits in India.

New Zealand's five-match series begins in Dharamsala on Sunday, their first in the format since Brendon McCullum's final ODI against Australia in Hamilton February 8.

A blistering knock from the now retired captain steered the Black Caps to a 55-run win and 2-1 series victory, adding to series wins over Sri Lanka (3-1) and Pakistan (2-0) earlier in the home summer.

WATCH: McCullum on song in final ODI

But even without McCullum, Ronchi is confident the world No.3 ranked tourists have the ODI personnel and know-how to be confident of success against the fourth-ranked Indians.

He says the humbling Test series loss in India carries little weight other than some extra motivation for the tourists.

"After losing 3-0, we have to finish the tour on a high," Ronchi said.

WATCH: Kiwis crushed by India spin

"We're a good one-day team and if we can continue on with the way we've been playing for a while now, it's going to make for an interesting series.

"It is a completely different ball game now. We just have to go into each game being positive and go into them full steam ahead really."

New Zealand's last ODI series in India was six years ago, when they were swept 5-0.

Wicketkeeper Ronchi, a specialist ODI finisher, has struggled in that role in the last 12 months.

His proficiency against spin when successfully introduced to the Test series as a specialist batsman could result in a change of role over the next two weeks.

Ronchi says he would be prepared to bat higher in the order and dig in if required.

The game is the first of New Zealand's intense run of 24 ODIs before they contest next June's Champions Trophy in England and Wales.