Watch: Indian team receives traditional Haka welcome in Tauranga ahead of NZ vs IND 4th ODI

India cricket team received a special traditional Maori Haka welcome at Bay Oval in Tauranga ahead of the final two ODIs against New Zealand. Two local Māori elders welcomed the Indian players, with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, head coach Gautam Gambhir and stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer among those present. The Indian team received the warm gesture on November 12, ahead of the fourth ODI scheduled for November 13.

The two elders performed a traditional Haka, featuring powerful chanting, rhythmic movements and foot-stomping, to welcome the Indian team. They then interacted with the players and shared a special moment with Rohit Sharma, who had met one of them during India's previous visit seven years ago. 

Shreyas Iyer also addressed the gathering and thanked the elders for their warm welcome. The India team Haka welcome in Tauranga quickly became a special moment ahead of the NZ vs IND 4th ODI. The gesture also allowed the Indian players to experience an important part of Maori culture during their New Zealand tour.

Indian Team receives traditional Haka welcome in Tauranga: What happened?

Two Maori elders welcomed the Indian cricket team at Bay Oval in Tauranga with a traditional Haka ceremony. The performance featured strong chanting, foot-stomping and traditional movements as the local hosts welcomed the visiting players. The Indian contingent watched the special performance before heading into their preparations for the remaining matches.

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One of the elders also shared a personal memory of meeting Rohit Sharma during India's previous visit to New Zealand. He said, "I've got a photo here of Rohit and me from seven years ago. So, it'd be great if I could have a photo with the captain as well as Rohit." His wish was fulfilled as he got a photograph with Shreyas Iyer, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

Stand-in captain Shreyas Iyer also thanked the two elders and the local hosts for the warm welcome. The Indian players appreciated the special gesture before continuing their preparations for the fourth ODI. For those wondering what is the Haka, it is a traditional Maori performance that uses chanting, movements and expressions to show identity, unity and respect.

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli stops for female fans in Tauranga, shares special moment ahead of IND vs NZ 4th ODI

NZ vs IND ODI Series: Where things stand ahead of the 4th ODI at Bay Oval

India will enter the fourth ODI with a 2-0 lead in the five-match India vs New Zealand ODI series 2026. The visitors won the first two matches and are now one victory away from securing the series. However, the third ODI in Hamilton was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain.

India won the first ODI in Auckland by five wickets under the DLS method after restricting New Zealand to 185. The visitors also won the second match in Wellington by four runs under the DLS method in another rain-affected contest. New Zealand will now look to bounce back at Bay Oval and keep their hopes of levelling the series alive.

See also: Virat Kohli creates new record during NZ vs IND 1st ODI in Auckland

Shreyas Iyer will lead India in the final two matches of the series, with Shubman Gill and KL Rahul leaving the squad ahead of the upcoming Test series. The fourth ODI will take place on November 13, while the fifth and final match is scheduled for November 15 at Bay Oval in Tauranga. Both matches will begin at 7:30 AM IST, with India looking to seal the series in the next game.