Part of India A's squad that has left for the tour of New Zealand, right-arm pacer Navdeep Saini has said that he is extremely determined to excel the opportunity and has his eyes set on a call-up to the national team soon.

Navdeep, one of the fast bowlers included in the side that also features Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane for first of the three unofficial Tests and is guided admirably by Rahul Dravid, also gave an insight into how he feels more comfortable bowling with the red ball in the first-class game than he does with the white one in limited overs cricket.

"I feel I know a lot more about my bowling now," Saini told Cricketnext during a chat, "I enjoy bowling with the red ball. Though I have picked wickets in limited overs cricket as well but I feel more comfortable bowling with the red ball."

Having enjoyed the opportunity to meet and learn from the likes of MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, Saini said, "One thing I have noticed about Virat bhai is that his intensity never drops, Even if he comes out for a net session or is in the gym, he gives his 110%. I have to do the same. My goal (of representing India) is near but I cannot let my intensity drop."

Saini, who was called up for the nets during the Test series in South Africa and was selected for the one-off Test against Afghanistan and picked up 34 wickets from eight games during the last Ranji Trophy season, where he helped Delhi reach the final, also gave an insight into his plans.

"I have had a word with a couple of seniors, I will look to pitch the ball up and get it to swing. Key will be to take early wickets," the 25-year-old informed, "I think we(Delhi) got a bit complacent in the (Ranji Trophy 2017-18) final, we had beaten good teams to reach the final and got a bit overconfident,” he admitted. “But this time we will have to keep our intensity up and give 100% in all our matches."

The first unofficial Test at Mount Maunganui begins from November 16.