NEW DELHI: Chilli Paneer and Virat Kohli are the two dominant keywords on social media right now. Virat Kohli is trending for making his comeback in the Ranji Trophy after almost 13 years. His last appearance for Delhi was in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh, and now he is back in Ranji Trophy colours for Delhi against Railways. Meanwhile, Chilli Paneer has caught attention as the dish Kohli chose on the opening day of the match.
Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) canteen owner Sanjay Jha spoke to TimesofIndia.com and shared the details of the conversation.
“Virat Kohli wanted to have Chilli Paneer, so his manager called and ordered the dish for him. Yesterday he ordered Kadhi Chawal,” Jha told TimesofIndia.com in an interview.
Jha, who has known Kohli since childhood, reflected on the cricketer’s humble nature and love for food.
“He has always been humble despite the greatness he has achieved in the world of cricket. I have been running a canteen for 25 years. He used to order food and eat from our canteen. This is home ground and I am very happy where he is standing right now. His humble nature is visible while talking to us and the waiters today as well,” Jha said.
Kohli, who was fond of Chole Bhature, Butter Chicken, and Chilli Chicken before turning vegan, chose not to order food from outside and instead decided to eat with his teammates at the canteen.
“He has been a food lover. Delhi wala hai na isliye. But he has taken his fitness to another level. Not just me; everyone is so happy, especially the old people, including me, who have seen Virat grow as a kid, to play this match. There is a lot of excitement,” Jha said.
Fans gathered in huge numbers since morning to enter the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
As soon as the gates opened and fans flooded inside, the streets outside fell silent. The madness had shifted to the stadium. Banners of Kohli were raised, pamphlets waved, and the chants of “Kohli! Kohli!” echoed through the stands.
Every time Kohli moved, adjusted his stance, or signalled a bowler, the fans erupted – making it clear they were here for this moment, for their star, Virat Kohli.