It would require immaculate planning and perfect execution if the team is to win its first Test series in New Zealand in 40 years, Indian cricket captain

Mahendra Singh Dhoni said here on Wednesday.

"It's going to be a tough tour, but every place has its challenges. Foreign players come here and struggle against spin and bounce. We would focus on planning well and in executing those plans. The results will follow," said the wicketkeeper-batsman at a pre-departure media conference.

Coach Gary Kirsten too expressed confidence in the team's ability to do well in conditions that are vastly different to what the players are used to at home.

"We have a very balanced team -- in batting, pace and spin bowling. We are capable of playing in any condition. Conditions will be vastly different and the weather would be cold with a bit of rain. But we have the players to overcome these," Kirsten said.

India have not won a Test series in New Zealand since their first and only triumph, by a 3-1 margin under Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi in 1967-68. They commence the 47-day tour with two Twenty20 Internationals which are to be followed by five ODIs and the three-Test series.

The team is departing on Thursday morning.

Kirsten was not worried about the lack of any practice games ahead of the Twenty20 opener on February 26 as he said the team had four days to practice before getting into the contest

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and star off-spinner Harbhajan Singh will get special honours during the annual BCCI Awards Ceremony scheduled in Mumbai on February 18.

BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement that Dhoni, who received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri, will get a special award.

Similarly, Harbhajan too will be felicitated for taking 300 Test wickets and receiving the Padma Shri.

The function will commemorate the outstanding performers of the 2007-08 season.

The BCCI had earlier announced that former Test star GR Viswanath will receive the CK Nayudu award, while opener Virender Sehwag will get the Polly Umrigar Award.

This year's Madhavrao Scindia Award Will go to Saurashtra run-machine Cheteshwar Pujara and Uttar Pradesh pacer Sudeep Tyagi, with each getting Rs one lakh.

The BCCI also announced the M A Chidambaram Trophy for under-15, under-17, under-19 and under-22 categories with the winners getting Rs 50,000.

Former India captain Mithali Raj was named Best Woman Cricketer while M D Thirushkamini of Tamil Nadu won the award in the junior category. Both will get Rs 50,000 each.

List of the awardees:

CK Nayudu Award: G R Viswanath (Rs. 15 lakhs)

Polly Umrigar Award: Virender Sehwag (Rs 5 lakh)

Madhavrao Scindia Award (Batsman): Cheteshwar Pujara

Madhavrao Scindia Award (Bowler): Sudeep Tyagi

M A Chidambaram Trophy (Under-15): Ankit Bawane (Maharashtra)

M A Chidambaram Trophy (Under-17): Mandeep Singh (Punjab)

M A Chidambaram Trophy (Under-19): Bhuvneshwar Kumar (UP)

M A Chidambaram Trophy (Under-22): Rahul Dewan (Delhi)

M A Chidambaram Trophy (Best Woman Cricketer): Mithali Raj

M A Chidambaram Trophy (Best Junior Woman Cricketer): M D Thirushkamini.

Special Awards:

Maharashtra: Best Overall Performance in the 2007-08 season.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni: For receiving the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Padma Shri.

Harbhajan Singh: For taking 300 Test wickets and receiving the Padma Shri.