All Blacks Legend Presents Cricket Jerseys to Indian Stars

Ahead of the first One-Day International in Auckland, Indian cricket veterans gathered with a rugby icon at the iconic Eden Park. Kevin Mealamu, a celebrated figure in New Zealand sports, bestowed personalized All Blacks shirts upon Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gil.

The custom apparel featured each player’s internationally recognized jersey number. Rohit was presented with the number 45, Kohli received number 18, and Gil was gifted the number 77.

Mealamu’s career in rugby is defined by elite performance and major triumphs. He competed in 132 Test matches for his country and contributed to back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015.

The meeting at Eden Park, a stadium steeped in sporting tradition, highlighted the crossover appeal between cricket and rugby. The ground itself boasts an extraordinary record of 54 uninterrupted home wins dating back to 1994.

This gesture symbolizes a broader celebration of a century-long athletic relationship between India and New Zealand. The foundational link was forged in 1926 when the great hockey master Dhyan Chand traveled with the Indian Army team on a landmark tour.

The ongoing white-ball campaign is a central pillar of the 100-year sports anniversary celebrations. India enters the ODI leg with momentum, having already claimed the five-match T20I series by a 3-2 margin.

Reflecting the spirit of unity, the host team will sport a special limited-edition Kotahitanga jersey during the series. The tour will conclude with a two-Test championship in Wellington and Christchurch, continuing the friendly rivalry.