Virat Kohli: A Taste of Delhi
Virat Kohli is a global icon for fitness, known for his incredibly strict diet and training regimen. However, the Delhi native has a well-documented soft spot for a classic North Indian dish: Chole Bhature. He has often mentioned that on a rare cheat
day, his first choice would be to enjoy a plate from a favourite spot in his home city. This combination of spicy chickpeas and fluffy, deep-fried bread is a world away from his usual steamed and grilled foods, making it the ultimate indulgence. While he is now vegetarian and avoids most fried foods, the craving for this nostalgic treat remains his primary culinary weakness.
MS Dhoni: Captain Cool's Comfort Food
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, affectionately known as 'Captain Cool', maintains incredible fitness even after retiring from international cricket. His diet is largely disciplined, but his favourite indulgence is Butter Chicken. Interestingly, former teammates have revealed Dhoni’s unique way of enjoying the dish; he would often just have the rich, creamy gravy with naan, skipping the chicken pieces to manage his intake. This mindful approach even to a cheat meal showcases his legendary discipline. Besides this savoury favourite, Dhoni is also known to enjoy milk-based sweets and has a particular fondness for Mutton Curry with rice as another go-to comfort meal.
Rohit Sharma: Mumbai's Street Food Star
Rohit Sharma's palate is a tribute to his Mumbai roots. The 'Hitman' has a deep love for the city's vibrant street food culture. His ultimate comfort food is often cited as Vada Pav, the iconic Mumbai-style potato fritter sandwich. He is also extremely fond of Pav Bhaji, another street-side classic featuring spiced mashed vegetables served with buttery bread rolls. While he enjoys simple home-cooked meals like Dal Chawal for comfort, his cheat days are clearly an ode to the flavours he grew up with. He also has a love for the Maharashtrian snack Kothimbir Vadi.
Hardik Pandya: The All-Rounder's Cravings
Hardik Pandya is known for his explosive energy on the field, which is fuelled by a carefully managed diet. However, when it's time to indulge, his choices are surprisingly relatable. Pandya has mentioned being a big fan of Maggi, the instant noodles that are a staple in many Indian households. Beyond that, his cheat meal list includes favourites like Pizza, Pani Puri, and Biryani. Recently, he also expressed a nostalgic fondness for Desi Chowmein. While he approaches his diet with caution, these occasional treats help him stay motivated without straying too far from his fitness goals.
Jasprit Bumrah: A Gujarati Feast
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah's food preferences are firmly rooted in his Gujarati heritage. One of his favourite dishes is the light and savoury Dhokla, a steamed cake made from fermented batter. It’s a relatively healthy choice that reflects his disciplined lifestyle. However, for a true cheat meal, Bumrah has confessed his love for homemade Chicken Biryani. In a 'Snack Wars' challenge, he also chose biryani over fish and chips, and picked other Indian favourites like samosa and chakli, showing his strong preference for desi flavours.
KL Rahul: South Indian Roots and Sweet Treats
Stylish batsman KL Rahul enjoys a variety of foods, with a special place for South Indian cuisine from his home state of Karnataka. He reportedly loves dishes like Neer Dosa and Chicken Ghee Roast. While he generally avoids wheat and manages his sugar intake, he admits to indulging in a pizza once in a while. His breakfast often includes dosa, but he is also known to enjoy pancakes. Despite his disciplined diet of controlled portions and lean protein, Rahul's food choices show an appreciation for both traditional flavours and international favourites like sushi.
