REVEALED! Virat Kohli Craves For Chilli Paneer For Lunch On Ranji Trophy Return, Relishes Desi Food

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Virat Kohli made his much-anticipated comeback to the Ranji Trophy on Thursday, January 30, as Delhi took on Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

While his on-field exploits have always grabbed headlines, his culinary choices during the game also caught attention. The 36-year-old requested chilli paneer for lunch on Day 1, a dish that marks a notable shift from his earlier preference for chilli chicken.

The former Indian skipper, known for his strict fitness regime, turned vegan in 2018, opting for a diet that aligns with his goal of staying in peak physical condition amidst a demanding cricket schedule. Interestingly, before the game against Railways, Kohli chose kadhi chawal over the popular local dish of chhole poori, as revealed by a Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) official.

Sanjay Jha, a chef at the stadium's canteen who has known Kohli since his early cricketing days, shared insights about Kohli's humility and unchanged demeanor despite his superstar status. "I have been running a canteen for 25 years and I have known Virat Kohli from his childhood. He used to eat from our canteen. He started his career from here, but he doesn't have any arrogance. Even today, he stays humble while talking to us and the waiters just how a normal person does," he said in an interview with India Today.

Jha also reminisced about Kohli's earlier love for non-vegetarian food, particularly chilli chicken. "Earlier, chilli chicken used to be his favourite. Not only did he use to eat it, but he also recommended it to his teammates. Now he has chole bhature or kadhi chawal. Once I asked him if we should order something from outside, but he refused, saying that he wanted to have food from our canteen itself," he added.

The 36-year-old's return to Ranji Trophy cricket after more than a decade added a nostalgic touch to the ongoing season. His last appearance in the competition was back in 2012, against Uttar Pradesh in Ghaziabad. Kohli, who arrived at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, participated in running and fielding drills before taking the field on Thursday.

Beyond his exploits with the bat, Kohli's connection to the ground and its staff exemplifies his grounded personality. While his journey from Delhi cricket to becoming an international icon is nothing short of extraordinary, it is his continued simplicity and respect for his roots that endears him to so many.