These Indian cricketers are known for their commitment to vegetarianism, balancing a plant-based diet with their athletic careers. Their choice reflects a growing trend among athletes to focus on health, fitness, and sustainability.
Suresh Raina
A committed vegetarian, Suresh Raina, along with teammate Ishant Sharma, supported the four-day meat ban in Mumbai, believing it would emphasize the benefits of vegetarian food. Raina has also been known to seek out vegetarian options while traveling with the team.
Rohit Sharma
Though Rohit Sharma has mentioned that his favorite food is aloo paratha, not the healthiest option, he remains committed to a vegetarian diet to stay fit. Regarded as one of the best openers globally with 44 international centuries, Sharma credits his strict vegetarian lifestyle for keeping him in great shape.
Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey’s cricket career has been marked by numerous highlights, solidifying him as one of the fittest players in the team. Notably, he became the first Indian to score a century in the IPL in 2009. Reports also suggest that Pandey follows a strict vegetarian diet.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Kumar is an underrated fast bowler who holds a special place in the Indian cricket team and in the hearts of fans. He is the first and only Indian bowler to win the IPL Purple Cap twice. According to reports, Kumar follows a strict vegetarian diet, which he credits as key to his post-match recovery.
Shikhar Dhawan
Fondly known as ‘Gabbar,’ Shikhar Dhawan’s popularity extends well beyond the cricket world. The star Indian batsman adopted a vegetarian lifestyle in 2018, believing that a meat-based diet brought negativity into his life, prompting the change.
Ravichandran Ashwin
An exceptional spinner and all-rounder for India, Ravichandran Ashwin has followed a vegetarian diet since childhood. In interviews, he has mentioned that his favorite dish is Paneer Capsicum, a family recipe prepared by his mother.
Cheteshwar Pujara
Known as the “Ace” of the Indian Test team, he is highly disciplined about his diet. He follows a strict vegetarian regimen, avoiding spicy food. His dietary discipline clearly reflects in his exceptional performance on the field.
Hardik Pandya
The breakout star of Indian cricket, Hardik Pandya, has gained attention both on and off the field, especially after his controversial appearance on Koffee with Karan. On the field, he is a dominant force and has captained India in several T20 series. Pandya also leads the Gujarat Titans in the IPL. Once a meat lover, Pandya reportedly switched to a vegetarian diet due to health concerns, focusing on his fitness and longevity in the sport.