Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill enjoyed a special moment ahead of the first One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday. The three cricketers met legendary New Zealand rugby player Keven Mealamu, who presented them with personalised rugby jerseys before the start of the match.
Mealamu is one of the most celebrated figures in New Zealand rugby history. He made 132 appearances for the national rugby team, the All Blacks, and is among the most-capped players to have represented the country. He also served as captain of the team during his career.
The former rugby star was an important member of the New Zealand squads that won the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and 2015. His contribution to the country's rugby success has made him a respected sporting personality in New Zealand and across the international rugby community.
The meeting took place before the opening match of India's five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The Indian cricket board shared photographs of the interaction on social media, describing it as a special moment before the start of play. The pictures showed Gill, Kohli and Rohit posing with Mealamu while holding their personalised jerseys.
The meeting also highlighted the connection between two of the country's most popular sporting cultures. While cricket enjoys enormous popularity in India, rugby remains one of New Zealand's biggest sporting traditions.
India entered the ODI series after winning the preceding five-match T20 International series 3-2 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. The team has now shifted its focus to the 50-over format, with Gill leading the side.
The opening ODI, however, experienced a slight delay because of rain in Auckland. At the drinks break, New Zealand were struggling at 115 for seven after 28.3 overs, with India having elected to field first. Indian pacer Anshul Kamboj had taken two wickets for 13 runs in 7.3 overs.
Kohli and Rohit, who have retired from T20I and Test cricket, are now focusing exclusively on the ODI format. Their presence continues to attract considerable attention from supporters, with fans turning up in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the two experienced batters.
The ODI series will be followed by a two-match Test series beginning November 19, giving both teams another opportunity to compete across formats.
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