The Indian cricket team have been given a traditional Māori welcome onto the site of their next two ODIs against the Black Caps.
Players were treated to a pōwhiri by tangata whenua at Bay Oval this morning to give the team an insight into Māori culture.
The team responded to a wero before they were called on by a karanga and after speeches and waiata, they wrapped up the formalities with a hongi.
Manager of strategic Māori engagement at Tauranga City Council, Carlo Ellis, told 1 NEWS the experience was eye-opening for players.
"It was really humbling for us to talk to some of the players and how excited they were to have that experience," he said.
"They were really open to whatever we might ask them to do - the hongi is a great example - so all the comments and the translations I was doing as the pōwhiri was going through, they just loved the spirit of the occasion.
"We are just honoured they could fit us into their schedule last minute."
It's the first time a pōwhiri has been performed for a visiting cricket team at Bay Oval - Ellis hopes it isn't the last.
"It's connecting tangata whenua to Bay Oval staff so they are confident to ask for it when it's appropriate.
"Hopefully it's the start of something awesome."
India and the Black Caps face off in the second ODI of their five-match series at Bay Oval tomorrow before the third ODI takes place at the same venue next Monday.
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