Born in Wellington to parents hailing from Bengaluru, the mop-haired left-hander emerged as a big crowd favourite in India when he played for the Black Caps in last year's 50-overs World Cup and for Chennai in this season's Indian Premier League.
As the Champions Trophy kicks off, some memorable moments from past tournaments.
The tourists will be without batsman Kane Williamson in Bengaluru after the former skipper opted out of the opener due to a groin injury, while paceman Ben Sears was ruled out of the series with a knee injury and replaced by Jacob Duffy.
'India in their home conditions are a different beast and they have started unsurprisingly strongly - I see them as favourites to win the competition at this stage, no matter what happens in Dharmsala (on Sunday),' writes Ross Taylor in his column for ICC Media Zone.
Tom Latham will captain the team for an entire series for the first time in place of Kane Williamson, who suffered a recurrence of an elbow injury in India and will miss both Tests.
'So there was some good fight there and they got some rewards late in the day. So yeah, I think both teams will be pleased with their efforts.'
Hardik became the highest wicket taker for India against Pakistan in T20Is.
Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim was taken to hospital on Monday after being hit on the head by a bouncer from New Zealand's Tim Southee but was reported to be doing "fine".
Spin great Ravichandran Ashwin says New Zealand, despite the absence of the long-serving pace duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee, who have quit playing the 50-over format, will pose a challenge to India.
India's cricketers face one of their biggest tests in recent times, when they take on New Zealand with their T20 World Cup hopes on the line.
Bangladesh are looking to complete a sweep after winning the opening match of the two-Test series by 150 runs in Sylhet.
New Zealand have yet to decide on a replacement for Williamson for the white-ball roles but Latham's record in T20s may count against him if selectors opt for a single captain for both the short-format teams.
Royal Challengers Bangalore batters overcame some nervy moments after leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga spun his way to a four-wicket haul to register a three-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders.
"The guys knew spin was going to play a big role in this part of the world, everyone's preparation was different. They (the tail-enders) showed a lot of courage in the first Test.
Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy made 86 and collaborated in two half-century partnerships to help Bangladesh finish day one of the first Test against New Zealand on 310-9 in Sylhet on Tuesday.
Chapman, Astle picked in New Zealand T20 World Cup squad; Veteran Ross Taylor ignored.
Fans can expect a wide open tournament in the absence of an overwhelming favourite in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
England finally faced some resistance from New Zealand in the shape of Tom Blundell's defiant century but dismissed the Black Caps for 259 to wrap up a thumping 323-run victory on the third day of the second Test on Sunday.
Chasing 142 for a win in the dead rubber, Bangladesh never looked comfortable as they lost two wickets in the first over, thanks to brilliant bowling from skipper Southee.
Rachin Ravindra, the rising star of New Zealand cricket, has once again showcased his exceptional talent, guiding his team to a dominant position in the first Test against India.
New Zealand will firmly bank on their potent batting line-up to ward off Bangladesh's capable spin attack on a slow Chepauk pitch on Friday.
Jimmy Neesham's scintillating performance with bat and a gutsy cameo by Mitchell Santner overshadowed Kieron Pollard's heroics
IMAGES from the first semi-final of the ICC World Cup played between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Stead said paceman Tim Southee was also in contention after recovering from a fractured thumb.
New Zealand face England-beaters Afghanistan aiming to keep their unbeaten run intact
Images from Day 2 of the first Test between India and New Zealand, in Kanpur, on Friday.
IMAGES from Day 5 of the third and final Test between England and New Zealand in Headingley on Monday.
Saud, who forged a 150-run partnership with Sarfaraz Ahmed for the fifth wicket, was unbeaten on 124, which included 17 fours.
Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris feels India opener Rohit Sharma might find it difficult to negotiate the swinging ball during the ICC World Test Championship final against the Kiwis, beginning in Southampton on June 18.
New Zealand's hopes of levelling the T20 series against India with victory in the final match on Tuesday have taken a blow with captain Kane Williamson opting out of the match for a medical appointment.
Factbox on World Cup match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval.
England are an ageing side alright, but few will dare to bet against Jos Buttler's men successfully defending their World Cup title in a few weeks time.
New Zealand's bowlers exploited the favorable conditions at the Wankhede Stadium, decimating India's top order in the early overs.
Kusal Mendis and captain Dimuth Karunaratne handed Sri Lanka a strong start in Day 1 of the first Test against New Zealand.
Kane Williamson declines New Zealand 'forced' Neil Wagner to retire
Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan on Sunday became the highest wicket-taker in T20 International cricket when he pipped Lasith Malinga's tally of 107 wickets during their T20 World Cup game against Scotland Al Amerat.
'There's no secret we're right in the hunt for the World Test Championship final following our two-nil win over India and having Trent and Kane fully fit and focussed for the upcoming series will be crucial.'
World number one India suffered a seven-wicket defeat in less than three days as New Zealand completed a 2-0 series sweep in the second Test, in Christchurch, on Monday. India were all out for 124 in their second innings to set New Zealand an easy target of 132 to win the match. The hosts cruised to victory, with openers Tom Latham (52) and Tom Blundell (55) both hitting half-centuries.
Mitchell Santner, etched his name alongside the legendary Daniel Vettori in the annals of cricket history
Woeful India dismissed for 46 as New Zealand pacers run riot
