A somber leadership transition, decided halfway around the world, marked Tom Latham's ascent to the New Zealand captaincy and served as a stark reminder of the team's current predicament as they prepare for a challenging series in India.

Following a disheartening 2-0 series loss in Sri Lanka, out-of-form paceman Tim Southee decided he was no longer the right person to lead a struggling squad, while also battling to maintain his international career. With Latham having previously filled in as captain on nine occasions and no clear alternative among his teammates, his appointment was a natural choice. However, the 32-year-old opening batsman's rise to the captaincy was met with little fanfare, as he returned from South Asia with a heavy cloud hanging over the team.

Despite appearing fatigued from the long journey, Latham expressed gratitude towards Southee and acknowledged the challenges of his new role. "I obviously feel very privileged to be given the opportunity and (with) luck we have plenty of leaders in the group," he told news website Stuff in an interview. "I'll soon be leaning on them throughout my time, I would say."

A solid, if unspectacular, opener with an average of 39.41 from 82 Tests, Latham has been a mainstay at the top of New Zealand's batting order for a decade. His career has coincided with a golden era for New Zealand cricket, driven by former captains Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson. Southee, New Zealand's second-most prolific wicket-taker in Tests, was a crucial part of the Black Caps' success during this period and took on the captaincy when Williamson stepped down in late 2022. However, the team he inherited was no longer the formidable force that won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, with players retiring and others opting for the more lucrative T20 franchise circuit.

Latham now takes charge with the team at a low point, having suffered four consecutive test defeats around the washed-out Afghanistan match. Although he continues to produce runs consistently, Latham may be frustrated by his inability to score a century in nearly two years, which could have inspired the team. Facing India, which has set a record with 18 consecutive home Test series victories following their 2-0 defeat of Bangladesh, Latham will be under pressure to lead by example in the three-match series starting in Bangalore on October 16.

"It's obviously a great challenge that's ahead and I guess it's something to look forward to," he said.