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.