The Black Caps have recalled spin bowler Todd Astle for the remaining one day internationals against India.
Speaking to reporters at Christchurch Airport, Astle said he had been hoping to bowl against Indian star Virat Kohli.
"I was actually gutted [not to play Kohli], I have loved watching him play the last decade," said Astle.
India announced last week that Kohli will miss the final two ODI matches and the skip the Twenty 20 series, "considering his workload in the last few months."
Astle said he would have liked to test himself against one of the best batsmen in the world.
"He has been someone that I really admire, so to not come up against him, I think that little childhood boy inside of me was a little bit gutted, you want to test yourself against the best," Astle said.
"Having said that their whole line-up is jam packed with rock stars, so it will be a chance to see how you go and then from that where you can make those improvements."
The Black Caps have also called up allrounder Jimmy Neesham for the final ODI matches against India.
India are up 3-0 after beating the home team in dominant fashion by seven wickets last night in Tauranga.
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