New Zealand Cricket Unveils Special Jersey Ahead of ODI Series with India

New Zealand Cricket has unveiled a special jersey to celebrate the 100-year sporting connection with India, coinciding with the upcoming ODI series. The jersey features a lotus symbolizing growth and unity, designed by artists from both cultures. The ODI squad has been announced, with Mitchell Santner as captain, aiming to build on their historic victory over India. The series begins on November 4, following a T20I series. This article explores the jersey's significance and the squad details for the matches ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 11, 2026, 19:47 IST

Celebrating a Century of Sporting Connection

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has introduced a unique jersey that honors the 'shared respect and history' between New Zealand and India, coinciding with the upcoming five-match ODI series set to commence on November 4.

A Symbol of Unity and Growth

This special jersey commemorates 100 years of sporting ties between the two nations. It features a lotus, a significant symbol in Indian culture, representing growth, balance, and renewal, alongside other traditional New Zealand motifs. The shirt carries the message, '100 years of unity through sport, New Zealand, India,' merging the White Ferns emblem with the Indian lotus.

As shared on Instagram, the limited edition 'Kotahitanga ODI Shirt' symbolizes the bond between two cultures united by their passion for cricket, showcasing a design that reflects their shared history and mutual respect. This creation is a collaboration between artists Ben Thomason (Ngati Raukawa ki Te Tonga) and Gujarat's Shiv Narandas and Jai Pancha, blending Maori and Indian cultural elements to embody unity, respect, and the spirit of sportsmanship.

New Zealand's ODI Squad for India Series

The ODI squad for New Zealand includes Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Rachin Ravindra, and Tim Seifert, with Mitchell Santner appointed as captain.

The series kicks off on November 4 at Eden Park in Auckland, following a five-match T20I series scheduled from October 22 to November 1.

The BLACKCAPS aim to build on their historic 2-1 ODI series win over India in January, marking their first ODI series victory on Indian soil.

Allen and Ferguson last played ODIs in 2023, with Ferguson's latest appearance being in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup semi-final against India in Mumbai. Seifert's last ODI was approximately 18 months ago during New Zealand's home series against Pakistan.

Ravindra, who missed the T20I squad due to a shoulder injury, is set to return for the first three ODIs.

Additionally, seven more players will join the squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs, as some team members will head to Wellington after the third match to prepare for the upcoming Test series, as per the New Zealand Cricket website.

ODI Squad Breakdown

The squad for the first three ODIs consists of: Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, and Blair Tickner.

For the fourth and fifth ODIs, the squad will include: Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kristian Clarke, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Lockie Ferguson, Mitch Hay, Nick Kelly, Tim Seifert, Blair Tickner, and Will Young.

New Zealand will announce its 14-member Test squad for the series against India in early November.