It was quite a nostalgic feel to New Delhi as one of India’s favorite cricketers, Virat Kohli stepped onto the cricket field for his hometown Delhi for the first time in 12 years in a Ranji Trophy match. He walked out before his fans’ roars resonated through at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, much like the deep connection he now felt with cricket, a factor even reflected by the kind of meals he’d ordered.
Former Indian captain Kohli, who has always been very particular about his fitness regime and diet, on Day 1 of the clash against Railways opted for a simple and homely meal during the lunch break. He, unlike chhole poori, a classic Delhi delight, avoided the dish altogether and shared a meal of kadhi chawal with teammates and support staff. His most specific request, however, was a plate of chilli paneer—a vegetarian alternative to the chilli chicken that he enjoyed until embracing veganism in 2018.
Kohli’s food preference is more than just a dietary shift; it symbolizes his tenacious commitment to fitness, a transformation he undertook to sustain his high-performance standards in international and domestic cricket. The change, however, has not altered his affinity for the flavors he grew up with.
Who cooked chilli paneer for Virat Kohli during Ranji Trophy?
Sanjay Jha, a veteran chef who had fed Delhi cricketers for decades, once explained how Kohli remains humble despite being a superstar. “Virat has been eating from our canteen since childhood. Even now, he prefers food from here rather than ordering from outside. He talks to us just like he used to before becoming a global icon,” Jha said.
Kohli’s disciplined diet has been well-documented over the years. In a previous social media post, he listed his daily intake, consisting of vegetables, quinoa, spinach, eggs, and his all-time favorite dosas—though always in controlled quantity.
The moment transcended just another cricketing fixture when Kohli stepped out into the field for Delhi. It was a return to his roots, a reminder of his journey, and an affirmation that despite all the fame globally, he is still rooted at the deepest levels in his beginning-be it on the pitch or at the dining table.
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