The efficacy of a vegetarian diet for peak fitness and muscle building is one of the most debated points in the dietary world. While nutritionists and dieticians all over the world recommend that vegetarian diets can indeed fulfil your protein requirements, doubt is still rampant among the general masses. This is even pointed out in a study published in Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI), which goes as far as saying that protein is an important characteristic of a diet that is more based on plants than the classic animal-based diets.
But if you are one of those who use the lack of protein as an excuse to not give up meat, you need not look further than our very own Indian Cricket Team to convince yourself to be a vegetarian.
Indian Cricketers Who Are Vegetarian
As we stand at the cusp of the 16th edition of Asia Cup 2023, the Indian cricketers must be training hard to stand up to the expectations of the nation. At this crucial time, when the Indian cricket team must be paying focused attention to their diet, routine, and workout, it is interesting to know that many of the big names, who may or may be not in the playing 11, follow a vegetarian diet.
Suresh Raina
A staunch vegetarian, Raina, along with fellow team member Ishant Sharma even supported the four-day meat ban in Mumbai back in the day. The reason is that they felt this move would highlight the importance of vegetarian food.
It has also been reported several times, that Raina along with other team members, often has to go exploring for vegetarian food.
Also Read: What Happens If You Suddenly Become A Pure Vegetarian: Is It Safe?
Rohit Sharma
Although he has mentioned that his favourite food is aloo paratha, which is not the healthiest choice, he still swears by a vegetarian diet to keep him fit.
Hailed as one of the best openers in the world, with 44 centuries under his belt in international cricket, Sharma has claimed that a strict vegetarian diet helps him stay in good shape.
Manish Pandey
Pandey’s cricket career has seen many highs that establish him as one of the fittest players of the team. He was the first Indian player to score a century in the 2009 IPL, and as per reports follows a pure vegetarian diet.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Kumar is an underrated fast baller who assumes a prominent position in the Indian cricket team in the heart of his fans. He was the first and only Indian bowler to ever win a purple cap in the Indian Premier League twice. If reports are to be believed, Kumar hails a pure vegetarian diet as a staple for his post-match recovery.
Shikhar Dhawan
Popularly called ‘Gabbar,’ Dhawan’s stardom has transcended beyond the cricket fandom. This star batsman of our beloved cricket team turned vegetarian only in 2018. Reports claimed that he believed that having a meat-based diet brought negativity to his life, hence he decided to take the leap.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Famous for being an excellent spinner, Ashwin is an all-rounder of the Indian cricket team. Known for following a vegetarian diet since childhood, Ashwin has claimed in interviews that his favourite is dish is Paneer Capsicum made by his mother.
Also Read: Vegan Vs Vegetarian: Know About The Difference And Impact On Overall Health
Cheteshwar Pujara
Known as the ‘Ace’ of the Indian test match team, is very particular about his diet, He follows a strict vegetarian diet and avoids spicy food, and his dietary discipline is evident from his excellence on the field.
Hardik Pandya
The breakout star of the Indian cricket team, Pandya has been in the news since his infamous appearance on Koffee With Karan. On the field, he is considered a beast and has also assumed the role of the captain in many T-20 series. He is also the captain of his IPL team, the Gujarat Titans. Sources suggest that once a meat lover, Pandya had to shift to a vegetarian diet due to health concerns.
The fact that several prominent members of the Indian cricket team follow a vegetarian diet is testament enough that a well-balanced vegetarian diet is more than enough to fulfil your nutrient requirements. The MDPI study also stated that classic vegetarian diets supply more than adequate protein and amino acids. If insufficient protein or calorie levels are detected in a person following a vegetarian diet, the reason is probably the insufficient intake of protein-rich foods such as legumes, nuts and seeds. Either way here’s wishing our boys in blue the best of health and fitness to bring home the Asia Cup that their fans are eagerly waiting for!
