What's cooking? South African chef removed as Virat Kohli and co demand Indian food

Centurion: Team India is on a high after clinching their first ever ODI series on South Africa soil. The Men in Blue secured another thumping victory over the Proteas in the final dead rubber of the six-match series by eight wickets to end the series by 5-1.

While the visitors have been on song so far during the series, it is learnt that Virat Kohli and co have been unhappy with the food served by the local caterers during match-days and practice sessions before the game according to a report by Hindustan Times.

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As a result, the local caterer who was responsible for providing food for both teams, was told not to serve the Indian team. Instead, an Indian restaurant named Geet from Pretoria was hired to serve the visiting team.

“The players were unhappy with the local caterer here. So, we were hired and they are enjoying and liking it. We only cater to the dressing room and to the officials accompanying the Indian team,” the manager of Geet restaurant said.

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In other venues, including Johannesburg, non-Indian caterers were avoided and the Cricket South Africa (CSA) management hired Indian chefs to serve meals for the Indian team.

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The local caterer who didn’t wish to reveal his identity said that the issue persisted only with the Indian team since they demanded home cooked food. Though they were given the option of including vegetarian cuisine, the team did not savour it since the aroma and flavour were very different compared to Indian restaurants.

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“That is the only reason we can think of. Otherwise, none of the other teams have had issues,” the South African caterer said.

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Here’s the meal chart for both teams served at SuperSport Park in Centurion -

Breakfast (Both teams)

Homemade Granola, All-bran flakes, Future life high protein cereal, muesli and milo cereal, double thick Greek yoghurt, fat-free milk and almond milk, fresh fruits, dried fruits, biltong dried wors (dried meat), mix roast nuts, tea/coffee.

The Indian team requested for an omelette station in addition.

Meals (Indian team – provided by Geet restaurant)

Non-vegetarian: Chicken Rezala/Chicken Alleppey, Lamb Seyal.

Vegetarian: Two varieties of Daal (including daal makhani), palak paneer, goli masala, butter naan, basmati rice.

Breakfast/meals (South African team)

Changeroom snacks: Fruits, low-fat yoghurt, bread, peanut butter, boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, jams, butter, granola bars, flavoured milk.

Lunch: Roast leg of lamb sliced in jus, lemon and herb roasted chicken pieces, Napolitano baked line fish, caramelised basmati rice, baked sweet potatoes, Mediterranean baked vegetables.

Dessert: Sugar-free Fudge Ice-cream with fresh cut fruits.

Post-match: Chocolate flavoured milk, chicken and beef prego rolls, pita with hummus and falafel.