The Northern Knights are confident of hitting the ground running as they embark on setting alight the Champions League tournament in India.

Months of hard work will be put into play in the subcontinent after the Knights secured a spot in the lucrative T20 tournament by breaking their HRV Cup hoodoo and defeating defending champions the Otago Volts in January.

Northern Districts coach James Pamment, Northern Knights captain Daniel Flynn and chief executive Peter Roach at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval.

The win means the side represents New Zealand in the tournament, seeded with the Mumbai Indians, the Lahore Lions, and Sri Lanka's Southern Express.

Speaking to SunLive at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval, where the Knights are in their last of four training camps since July 12, captain Daniel Flynn says the side is primed to make a strong showing.

'We are going to this tournament to win but there are stepping stones [three qualifiers] along the way.

'You look at the Otago Volts last year doing very well and hopefully we can do the same or even better.”

The Knights depart on Monday for Bengaluru, where they will train and acclimatise for a week before facing the Southern Express on September 13 in their opening Champions League Qualifier.

The top two of four teams in the rapid-fire qualifier progress to the Champions League main draw, meaning the Knights' must win at least two of their three matches.

Before they even left, the Knights were hit with the late withdrawal of veteran spinner Daniel Vettori – replaced by rising left-arm off-spinner Mitchell Santner – and Corey Anderson who will play for the Mumbai Indians.

The Champions League Technical Committee approved the Knights' request to replace Vettori, who was last week named in the official squad of 15 before a family health matter led the former Blackcap captain to unexpectedly withdraw.

Flynn says despite the loss of two influential cricketers the side is evenly balanced to make an impact on the hard Indian pitches.

'Going to the subcontinent we have a fair idea of what we are going to come up against. Spin plays a large part; we are aware of that and have some quality players in our ranks.”

The Knights can call upon the likes of Anton Devcich, Ish Sodhi and Jono Boult, who are all spin bowlers.

Northern Knights coach James Pamment says there is a mixture of excitement and anticipation as the tournament nears.

He admits they have been fortunate with the mild winter weather during preparation and hopes the players make the most of the opportunity.

'It's a huge honour and win you win the HRV Cup you get this privilege of representing New Zealand.”

Pamment is not getting ahead of himself believing the side must 'hit the ground running” in order to win at least two of the three qualifying matches top proceed into the main draw.

'That's where our focus is; to win two of three games at a minimum.

'We are very happy with where the players are at.”

Northern Knights Champions League Squad:

Daniel Flynn (captain), Graeme Aldridge, Jono Boult, Trent Boult, Anton Devcich, Daniel Harris, Scott Kuggeleijn, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, BJ Watling, Kane Williamson, Brad Wilson.