Indian cricket team meets rugby legend Keven Mealamu ahead of first ODI against New Zealand

The Indian cricket team had a memorable cross-sport encounter with New Zealand rugby legend Keven Mealamu on November 4, 2026, the same day as the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland. Captain Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were among the players who received personalised rugby jerseys from Mealamu during the meeting, adding a distinctive cultural moment to India's tour of New Zealand.

The gesture came ahead of the series opener at Eden Park in Auckland, a venue confirmed for the first ODI on November 4, 2026. Presenting personalised jerseys to visiting athletes carries genuine significance in New Zealand's sporting culture, and the Indian players receiving them from a figure of Mealamu's standing made the occasion particularly notable before a competitive series began.

Mealamu, born on March 20, 1979, is widely regarded as one of the finest hookers to have represented the All Blacks and remains a celebrated figure in New Zealand sport. His willingness to welcome the Indian squad in this manner underlined the warmth between sporting communities in the country.

Who is Keven Mealamu and why does the meeting matter?

Keven Mealamu is a former New Zealand rugby union player who earned his reputation as one of the most respected forwards in All Blacks history. Born on March 20, 1979, he represented New Zealand across a distinguished international career and continues to be held in high regard at home and abroad.

The meeting between Mealamu and the Indian cricket squad reflects the mutual respect that exists across different sporting codes in New Zealand. For the India players, receiving personalised jerseys from a rugby icon of his stature was a meaningful welcome ahead of what promises to be a hard-fought ODI series.

What is the update on first ODI?

The start of the first ODI, being played at the Eden Park, Auckland, was delayed due to rain. The toss, originally, scheduled to take place at 7:00 AM (Indian Standard Time) happened at 7:20 AM, while the match start, scheduled at 7:30 AM eventually got underway with a ten-minute delay. There was no loss of overs despite the rain.

India opted to bowl first and the move worked wonders as the visiting team restricted the Mitchell Santner-led side to just 45 runs in the first powerplay, while also picking up a couple of wickets, especially when they are playing with a depleted bowling attack. At the time of writing, both wickets were picked by Arshdeep Singh, with opener Will Young and Henry Nicholls back in the hut.