India, Jan. 30 -- Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, making a much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after 12 years, opted for a familiar yet altered favourite for lunch on the opening day of Delhi's clash against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium-chilli paneer. The former India captain, who once relished chilli chicken during his early playing days, has been a strict vegan since 2018, prioritising peak fitness amid a demanding cricketing schedule.

Ahead of the match, Kohli notably turned down chhole poori, one of his favourite dishes, and instead joined his Delhi teammates for a meal of kadhi chawal. However, it was his special lunch request on Thursday that caught attention.

Sanjay Jha, the long-serving chef at the Delhi & District...