The head chef at Leela Palace, Anushman Bali, has shared information about the dietary preferences of senior Team India batsman Virat Kohli during the ongoing 2023 World Cup in India. Kohli’s diet primarily includes steamed foods like vegetarian dim sums and other plant-based protein sources.
Kohli has been in exceptional form in the 2023 World Cup, ranking as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. He has accumulated 354 runs from five innings, maintaining an average of 118 and a strike rate of 90.54. His scores in the competition so far have been 85, 55*, 16, 103*, and 95.
In an interview with the Times of India, Chef Anushman discussed the diet of the former Indian captain for the 2023 World Cup.
“Virat doesn’t eat meat and so we went for steamed foods, like vegetarian dim sums, and other vegetable-based proteins, like soya, mock meats, and lean proteins, like tofu for him. We include as little dairy as possible in his meals,” he said.
He also mentioned that the majority of players have chosen diets that are rich in protein and low in carbohydrates during the ICC event in India.
“The buffet has all kinds of meat but the players opt for steamed or grilled chicken or fish,” Anushman added.
Furthermore, the chef clarified that as numerous players had stayed at their hotel during the IPL, the hotel staff is already familiar with their food likes and dislikes.
“The New Zealand team stays away from curries, but there are players such as Devon Conway, for example, who have tried Indian food before and will ask for parathas once in a while. Or dosa for breakfast,” Anshuman elaborated.
Providing additional insights into the preferred dishes of various teams, the chef mentioned that the Indian team enjoys Ragi dosa, whereas the New Zealanders have a liking for Pavlova, described as their national dessert, consisting of a meringue base filled with fresh fruits.
The chef also clarified that players are not served alcohol, except for celebratory occasions following a victory.
India is at the top of the points table in the 2023 World Cup
After 25 matches in the 2023 World Cup, India is at the top of the points table, having secured 10 points from five matches. They are the sole unbeaten team in the tournament.
South Africa and New Zealand hold the second and third positions with eight points each. Five-time champions Australia occupy the fourth spot with six points.
Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan each have four points. Bangladesh, England, and the Netherlands have two points each.
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