New Zealand unveiled a special ODI jersey to mark 100 years of sporting ties with India

New Zealand have unveiled a special ODI jersey featuring Indian and Maori artwork to celebrate 100 years of sporting ties with India. The Black Caps will wear the limited edition during the five-match ODI series against India starting on November 4.

Entitled ‘Kotahitanga’, the jersey features lotus flowers, mandala art and traditional Maori designs that combine elements of both cultures. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said the shirt was designed to recognize the long-standing sporting relationship between the two countries.

Three artists, Ben Thomason, Shiv Narandas and Jai Pancha worked on the design, each bringing different cultural influences to the jersey. Narandas and Pancha chose three Indian motifs for the shirt. These include the lotus, India’s national flower, the ogee pattern commonly seen in Indian architecture, and the mandala, whose symmetrical structure complements traditional Maori patterns.

Kotahitanga | Unity Available now at selected Rebel Sport stores. BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 10, 2026

Thomason added kowhaiwhai, a form of traditional Maori scrolling, along with haehae lines. The artwork pays tribute to those who have contributed to sporting ties between New Zealand and India over the years.

NEW ZEALAND CRICKET PRAISES JERSEY DESIGN

NZC Marketing and Sales Director Glenn Critchley praised the artists for bringing the two cultures together in the design.

“We are completely absorbed by the design. The artists have created a beautiful balance between distinctive Maori design and distinctive Indian design that speaks to the bond between our peoples,” Critchley said.

“The sport promotes unity between New Zealand and India and we hope this shirt will be a treasured collector’s item among New Zealand and Indian cricket fans for years to come.”

For Narandas, whose family is from India, working on the jersey was especially special.

“This shirt feels like the journey of our life here. I hope everyone feels the energy that went into this project and can wear the shirt with pride,” he said.

India and New Zealand will first meet in a five-match T20I series starting on October 22 before turning their attention to five ODIs from November 4.

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