The Black Caps have lost 14 of their last 16 one-dayers, leading to doubts about their ability to lift their game in testing sub-continental conditions.
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"We have lost a lot of games and had some disappointing performances particularly in the sub-continent," Vettori told reporters ahead of their opening clash against Kenya on Sunday.
"But I hope we can look at the World Cup as a fresh start."
As the leader of the side, Vettori faces an enormous task of pulling his team out of the misery, compounded by a heavy 117-run defeat to India in their warm-up game in Chennai last week.
"Certainly it was a wake-up call before the tournament," said Vettori, who did not play that match because of a hamstring strain.
Vettori hinted that all-rounder Nathan McCullum could be rested for the Kenya game as a precaution. McCullum was hospitalised Thursday with high fever.
"Nathan was discharged from the hospital this morning and joined us for a light session. He is a lot better and confident that he can take part in the match tomorrow.
"But I don't want to take a risk with him since he is required for the full tournament."
The Kiwi captain admitted the dangers of playing a rather unfamiliar opponent.
New Zealand comfortably defeated Kenya by 148 runs the only time they have played before, in the 2007 World Cup.
In 2003, the Kiwis forfeited their World Cup match in Nairobi due to security concerns.
"The hardest thing about playing a qualifier is that you do not see much of them. Some of their players will be a bit of a surprise. You prepare may be after seeing them on television."
"It adds its own challenge but that shouldn't matter. We have to turn up to play well and win."
