QUICK TAKE | Who Is Keven Mealamu? Seven Things to Know About the All Blacks Legend Who Gifted Jerseys to Kohli and Gill
1. Why did India’s cricketers meet Mealamu?
The former All Blacks star welcomed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill with personalised rugby jerseys ahead of the first ODI in Auckland on November 4. The BCCI shared photographs of the meeting at Eden Park, bringing together leading figures from cricket and rugby.
2. Who is Keven Mealamu?
Mealamu represented New Zealand in 132 rugby Tests between 2002 and 2015. He played as a hooker, a demanding position in the front row of the scrum. His international career spanned four World Cups and ended with New Zealand retaining the trophy in 2015.
3. What made his career exceptional?
He helped the All Blacks win consecutive World Cups in 2011 and 2015. His club record was formidable too, with 164 appearances for the Auckland-based Blues. Across international and Super Rugby, Mealamu sustained a career at the top into his mid-30s.
4. What was happening at Eden Park?
India were opening a five-match ODI series against New Zealand. Gill won the toss and chose to field after drizzle delayed proceedings. The visitors entered the series following a 3–2 victory in the T20Is, although New Zealand had won the final two matches.
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5. Why are Rohit and Kohli back in focus?
The ODI series brings the senior batters back into India’s line-up as preparations continue for the 2027 World Cup. Gill has highlighted the value of playing in conditions he expects to resemble those in South Africa, one of the tournament’s three hosts.
6. What record is India trying to change?
India’s last ODI victory in New Zealand came in February 2019. Their subsequent tours produced a 3–0 series defeat in 2020 and a 1–0 loss in 2022, when rain washed out two games. This series offers five opportunities to end that wait.
7. Where does the series go next?
After Auckland, the teams play in Wellington on November 7 and Hamilton on November 10. Mount Maunganui hosts the final two ODIs on November 13 and 15. Shreyas Iyer takes over as captain when Gill leaves to prepare for the Test series.