Under previous coach John Wright, the Black Caps had a disappointing tour of the West Indies, losing both tests, the one-day series and the two twenty/20 games.
It is unclear how much power Hesson exercised when picking his squad for the tour of India. He is part of a two-man selection team with national selection manager Kim Littlejohn and, in theory, has the final say on selection matters.
But outside the camp there is a suspicion New Zealand director of cricket John Buchanan is actually pulling the strings.
Whatever the reality, the decision to drop Dean Brownlie in favour of the experienced Franklin is a classic Hesson move.
The former Otago and Kenyan coach has a preference for players who have been through the mill and a soft spot for the talented lefty.
With Jesse Ryder on a self-imposed break from international cricket and Daniel Vettori injured, Franklin should bring some much needed solidity to the middle order and also take up some slack at the bowling crease. Brownlie did not fit that bill. His batting offered some initial promise but he was never a serious option with the ball despite fanciful hopes he could get through a few overs.
"I'm a big fan of James Franklin," Hesson said.
"I think he is a high quality player who probably hasn't performed as his talent should suggest on the international stage. He is aware of that. He is a very good player of spin and has played a lot in the subcontinent over the last few years in the IPL and been exposed to those conditions. And he sweeps which is going to be crucial over there.
"This is a really important tour for James and I'm hoping he does really well.With losing an all-rounder in Dan, he certainly gives us better balance."
Hesson described Vettori's absence as a huge blow.
"Daniel has had a number of injuries which meant he hasn't been quite as effective as he would like, especially on the tour of the West Indies. But he is a fine player and not the sort you can replace overnight that's for sure. But I guess it gives Tarun Nethula and Jeetan Patel opportunities to push their case."
No-one is expecting much from the Black Caps in India.
The team was dreadful in the Caribbean and Hesson urged fans to be patient.
"It is going to take time. Things have not gone so well for us over the last few years.
"So we've got to build that confidence up in the players and obviously work on their core skills but also allow them to play."
Conditions are expected to be challenging for the seamers during the first test in Hyderabad starting tomorrow week. The pitch is typically flat there and the lush outfield makes swinging the ball difficult.
"It will be hard work and I expect the same in Bangalore.
We'll have to expect to put the hours in and, with the dominating top six India has, we're going to have to be really disciplined in what we do.
"You're not going to blast sides out in those conditions, so it is about discipline over long periods of time and patience will be a key part of that."
