On Thursday, January 30, Virat Kohli broke his 13-year-old hiatus from domestic cricket by turning up for his state team, Delhi, in a Ranji Trophy clash against Railways. More than 16,000 people thronged to the Arun Jaitley Stadium to catch a glimpse of Kohli, with many standing in the queue since 4:00 am. It seems like Kohli would like to spend some time on the crease before he joins the Indian cricket team for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy, beginning next month. Although Kohli's form has waxed and waned off late, what has not fluctuated even a bit is his dedication to the game. At 36, he is still the fitness icon, and his dietary preferences keep changing according to his needs.
When Did Virat Kohli Turn Vegetarian?
You might have come across an older video of Kohli where he talks about the significance of lean meat in his diet. However, in 2018, when he embarked on a tour to South Africa, Kohli experienced multiple health issues including a rise in uric acid level. His legs would lack the usual strength due to calcium depletion, which prompted Kohli to go vegetarian. There have been rumours about Kohli adopting veganism but he denied the claim on Twitter four years ago. "I never claimed to be vegan. Always maintained I'm vegetarian. Take a deep breath and eat your Veggies (if you want)," wrote Kohli, clearing the confusion.
Virat Kohli's Obsession with Steamed Food
In a 2021 interview, Kohli claimed that most of the food he eats is just steamed. Nothing testifies to his commitment to fitness as the fact that he had not touched his favourite dish—butter chicken—in the last ten years. "90 per cent of my food is all steamed, boiled. No masala. Only salt, pepper and lime—that’s how I eat," said Kohli. "I am not a big fan of the taste of food, I don't care about the taste. Salads, I enjoy them with a bit of dressing. Pan-grilled is good with a bit of olive oil or whatever. No curries… I only eat dal (lentils), but no masala curries. I do, however, eat rajma and lobia (black-eyed pea)—as a Punjabi, I can't skip them."
For Kohli, Less is More When it Comes to Food
Early in his international career, Kohli realised that he would have to sacrifice his favourite meals and prioritise a balanced diet instead of complex flavours. He does not mind eating the same food for ages. "Because everyone can go to the gym and work hard. But with food, it is different because you have tastebuds. It is linked to your mind wanting something and not wanting something. You have to persevere there… it is something I figured out quite early. I can eat the same thing for the next 6 months, 3 times a day. I have no issues at all," Kohli had stated in an old interview.
What Does Virat Kohli's Diet Look Like?
Virat Kohli’s diet is rich in fiber and protein, however, it does allow him to occasionally consume carbs in the form of dosas. Since becoming vegetarian, the cricketer has cut down on dairy and other animal products, incorporating more soy and tofu-based dishes into his meals, further enhancing the diversity of his plant-based diet.
He starts his day with breakfast comprising gluten-free bread with nut butter, sprouts, berries and a cup of green tea with lemon. For lunch, Kohli prefers grilled vegetables and a vegetable broth with spinach and beetroots. For dinner, he keeps it light with soup or grilled veggies.
