Sachin Tendulkar: The Master of Taste
The Little Master's love for food is as legendary as his cover drive. A proud Mumbaikar, Sachin Tendulkar has a special place in his heart for street food classics like Vada Pav, which he has admitted to enjoying since his childhood. He is also a huge
fan of seafood, particularly prawn masala, a dish he learned to cook from his mother. While he appreciates global cuisines like Japanese sushi and sashimi, his ultimate comfort food remains classic Maharashtrian 'varan bhaat' (dal-chawal) and his mother's cooking. Beyond just eating, Tendulkar has even donned the chef's hat, famously cooking baingan ka bharta for his teammates. His culinary journey is a mix of nostalgia, comfort, and gourmet exploration.
Virat Kohli: From Foodie to Fitness Icon
Virat Kohli's story is one of a dramatic transformation. Known in his early days as a big foodie who loved Delhi's street food, Chole Bhature, Butter Chicken, and mutton rolls, his approach to diet has completely changed. A former BCCI chef noted that the star batsman used to eat 'absolutely anything' before his fitness awakening. Inspired by his focus on peak athletic performance, Kohli adopted a disciplined, and now largely vegetarian, lifestyle. While he now opts for salads, tofu, and other healthy foods, he still fondly remembers his favourite Delhi street foods and admits to occasional indulgences. His journey showcases the tough balance an athlete strikes between passion for food and the demands of their profession.
Rohit Sharma: The 'Hitman' with a Love for Street Food
Current Indian captain Rohit Sharma is another Mumbaikar with a well-documented love for food, especially the city's street delicacies. He has a particular fondness for Vada Pav and Pav Bhaji. In fact, he once revealed that he spent his very first salary of Rs 50 on Vada Pav. Beyond street food, his comfort food includes simple home-style dal chawal. Sharma doesn't keep his love for food to himself; he has been known to organize street food sessions for the entire Mumbai Indians team, introducing foreign players to the joys of pani puri, bhel puri, and sev puri. His food choices reflect a personality that is grounded and connected to his roots.
Suresh Raina: The Cricketer Who Became a Chef
Suresh Raina's passion for food goes beyond just eating; he is a passionate cook who has turned his hobby into a business. The former all-rounder frequently shares videos of himself cooking for his family, preparing everything from curries in earthen pots to Kashmiri delicacies. In June 2023, he took this passion to the next level by opening 'Raina Indian Restaurant' in Amsterdam, aiming to bring authentic Indian flavours to Europe. The restaurant's menu is a tribute to diverse Indian cuisine, and Raina himself names dishes like Rajma Chawal and Matar Paneer among his personal favourites. His journey from the cricket field to the professional kitchen shows a deep-rooted love for culinary arts.
MS Dhoni: Captain Cool's Comforting Choices
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known for his calm and composed demeanour on the field, has a similar approach to his food: he loves comforting and classic dishes. He is widely known for his love of chicken-based dishes, including Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Pizza. His Twitter bio once famously mentioned his fondness for Butter Chicken with naan. However, beyond the rich Mughlai flavours, Dhoni also has a deep appreciation for simple, home-cooked meals. Reports suggest he enjoys Kathiawadi cuisine, with khichdi-kadhi being a particular favourite. He also has a sweet tooth, with Gajar ka Halwa and Kheer being among his preferred desserts.
