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

The Indian cricket squad shared a cross-sport moment with All Blacks great Keven Mealamu on November 4, 2026, as the team prepared for their opening ODI against New Zealand in Auckland. Captain Shubman Gill, along with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, accepted personalised rugby jerseys from the former hooker, a gesture that highlights the deep respect between the two nations' sporting communities.

The match at Eden Park began with a ten-minute delay due to rain, though no overs were lost from the schedule. India chose to bowl first and successfully limited the hosts to 45 runs during the initial powerplay.

Arshdeep Singh took two early wickets, dismissing openers Will Young and Henry Nicholls, while New Zealand was led by Mitchell Santner.

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