Sports
Indian Cricketers Receive Custom All Blacks Jerseys at Eden Park
By IANS
Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were presented with personalised All Blacks jerseys by former New Zealand rugby legend Keven Mealamu at Eden Park in Auckland ahead of India’s opening ODI against New Zealand. The jerseys were black and bore each player’s cricket number: Gill received 77, Kohli 18 and Rohit 45. Mealamu, who played 132 Tests for the All Blacks and was part of the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning teams, welcomed the trio into the All Blacks family during a special interaction. The event coincided with the centenary of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, which began in 1926 when an Indian Army hockey team toured the country. India’s five‑match ODI series, which started on November 4 at the iconic venue, is part of the celebrations marking 100 years of exchanges. The Indian team has already finished a 3‑2 series win in the five‑match T20I leg, and the New Zealand hosts are wearing a limited‑edition Kotahitanga ODI jersey to honour the shared sporting and cultural heritage. Two Test matches in Wellington and Christchurch are scheduled after the white‑ball fixtures.
Frequently asked questions
Which jersey numbers did Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma receive?
Gill received 77, Kohli 18, and Rohit 45.
Who presented the All Blacks jerseys to the Indian cricketers?
Former New Zealand rugby legend Keven Mealamu presented the jerseys.
What event coincided with the jersey presentation at Eden Park?
The centenary of sporting ties between India and New Zealand, which began in 1926.