Zaheer will be a key figure for India in the next few years

Javagal Srinath has been the leader of India's seam attack for the last decade but is now nearing the end of his international career and opted to miss a training camp in Bangalore.

Zaheer was India's leading bowlers at the World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, taking 18 wickets during the tournament.

His Test record is less impressive, however, with his 73 wickets so far costing 33 runs each.

But the 24-year-old last-armer believes he is ready to take on extra responsibility in the five-day game.

Zaheer gets his just desserts

"I'm ready if Srinath is unavailable. I'm looking forward to the Test series against New Zealand and am confident of doing well.

"I'm a rhythm bowler and when I get into the rhythm I know that wickets will fall. I'm working at getting the rhythm I had last season."

The Indian squad are put through their paces in training

India's players have been enjoying a lengthy break since a one-day series in Bangladesh in April after a year of almost non-stop cricket.

The first Test against New Zealand starts on 8 October, with the second match taking place the following week.

The two teams will then take part in a triangular one-day series against world champions Australia.

Batsman Virender Sehwag, meanwhile, sees his long-term future in the middle order in Test cricket.

Sehwag currently opens in both forms of the game, but believes he would be better suited to going in lower down in Tests.

"Right now, I understand the team combination is quite good and I don't want to upset that. But whenever there is an opening in the middle order, I'll be interested," he said.