Wellington: On the occasion of completion of 100 years of sports relations between India and New Zealand, the Kiwi cricket team is preparing to take the field in a special way. New Zealand players will wear specially designed jerseys in the ODI series against India next month. This jersey will feature lotus flowers, mandala artwork and traditional Maori art.
New Zealand Cricket has named this special jersey 'Kotahitanga'. Its design has been prepared keeping in mind the shared history, passion for cricket and cultural affinity of both the countries. This initiative marks a tribute to the long-standing sporting relationship between India and New Zealand.
Special jersey will be decorated with lotus and mandala
According to New Zealand Cricket, artists Ben Thomson, Shiv Narandas and Jai Pancha have played an important role in preparing this jersey. Indian artists Narandas and Pancha have incorporated three cultural symbols associated with India into the design. These include the national flower lotus, ogee patterns inspired by Indian architecture and mandala artwork.
The mandala design draws from the design traditions of Maori art. This will provide a confluence of Indian cultural heritage and New Zealand's local artistic identity in Jersey.
Maori art will show the connection between the two countries
Artist Ben Thomson has woven traditional Maori abstract painted scroll designs and symbols, called kowaiwai, onto a background with hehe lines. An attempt has been made through the design to depict the relationship between the living and the deceased.
The purpose of this artwork is also to honor those who have strengthened relations between the two countries. In this, importance has also been given to the contribution of players, fans and people who take the game forward behind the scenes.
India's New Zealand tour will start from T20
India's New Zealand tour will begin from October 22 with a five-match T20 International series. After this, a five-match ODI series will be played between the two teams from November 4. The tour will conclude with a two-Test series.
For the New Zealand team, which will be wearing a special jersey in the ODI matches, this series will not be limited to just cricket, but will also showcase the century-old sporting ties and cultural partnership between India and New Zealand.
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