By Zainab Shafiq 
In a delightful display of camaraderie and cricketing spirit, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon traded his diplomatic duties for a cricket bat, joining forces with Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev and Kiwi stars Ross Taylor and Ajaz Patel for an impromptu street cricket match in India. The heartwarming scene, captured on video, showcased Luxon’s surprising cricketing skills as he took catches, played explosive shots, and shared laughs with the legends and local children.
Luxon, who is on an official visit to India, seized the opportunity to connect with the sport that unites millions across the globe. Accompanied by Taylor, one of New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorers, and Patel, the spinner famous for his rare 10-wicket haul in a Test innings, the Prime Minister proved he was no stranger to the game. His enthusiasm and energy left even the seasoned cricketers impressed.
“Working hard in India to hit it out of the park for Kiwis,” Luxon quipped on Instagram, sharing his joy from the memorable experience. The video of the match quickly went viral, drawing praise for its celebration of cricket’s universal appeal.
Here is the video as Kapil Dev plays street cricket with New Zealand Prime Minister
The street cricket game wasn’t just about fun; it also highlighted the achievements of the cricketing greats present. Ross Taylor, with over 18,000 international runs, remains a stalwart of New Zealand cricket, while Ajaz Patel’s historic 10-wicket innings against India in 2021 cemented his place in cricketing folklore. Patel’s 15-wicket haul in that series played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s historic whitewash of India, their first in 17 years.
This unique blend of diplomacy and sport showed the deep ties between India and New Zealand, both on and off the field. As Luxon swung his bat and shared moments with Kapil Dev and the Kiwi stars, it was a reminder of how cricket transcends boundaries, bringing people together in the most unexpected ways.
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