Virat Kohli says no to Chole Puri, relishes Kadhi Chawal with Delhi mates; here’s how India star spent day 1 at Kotla

It was a homecoming for Virat Kohli when the former India captain entered the Arun Jaitley Stadium through the Virender Sehwag gate on a winter Tuesday morning. Save for pacer Navdeep Saini, all the remaining 18 members of the Delhi squad have grown watching Virat Kohli on television as the batting mestro donned the state jersey for the first time after 13 years. The last time Virat Kohli played a Ranji Trophy game for Delhi was back in 2012.  

In the last 13 years, Virat Kohli has become the most viable commercial brand in cricket globally. In fact, he was presented as the face by the ICC in their Olympics bid presentation. 

The 36-year-old was the cynosure of all eyes on the ground as he trained with the side for three hours. He was also seen having a brief chat with his former U-19 coach Mahesh Bhatti, who is the manager of the Delhi side. “Woh badlaa nahi hain,” a senior Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) official told PTI.

“Usko chhole-poori pasand the aur humne mangaake rakhha thaa. Usne bola chole puri nahi khawoonga (He loves chhole poori, we made arrangements for him but he said he didn’t want it),” he added. 

Interestingly, after practice, Virat Kohli had his favourite dish – Kadhi Chawal – with the rest of his teammates.  “Practice ke baad purane time ki tarah kadhi chawal khaya sabke saath (He had kadhi chawal with everyone),” revealed the official.