For a cricketer who has been hailed and praised over the years for maintaining exemplary fitness standards, no wonder why former India captain MS Dhoni and his dietary habits are always a topic of interest among his fans.
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In fact, it was a point of intriguing interest for them quite early into his international career when he used to muscle those huge sixes while playing with an unconventional stance. Once, while responding to the widespread rumour that he had been consuming 5 litres of milk daily, he had hilariously put the same to rest in his own inimitable style.
Having said that, alike most Indians, the veteran wicket-keeper batter is also a tea lover at heart. So much so, that his likeness for the beverage prepared by a certain Bangladeshi ‘Chai Dada‘ had motivated the latter to travel to India and serve his special tea not only to Dhoni, but also former India captain and coach in Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri respectively.
MS Dhoni Was In Love With Tea Prepared By Bangladeshi ‘Chai Dada’
It was during Kitply Cup (a triangular series also featuring Pakistan), played in June 2008 in Dhaka, when Dhoni was first offered the special chai (tea) prepared by Bhulu Chandra Ghosh.
‘Ginger kam, zyada lemon’ [Less ginger, more lemon]. [MS] Dhoni always used to tell me. I don’t exactly know why but he used to love the tea I made,” Ghosh had told Hindustan Times during his visit for India-Bangladesh day-night Test in Kolkata back in November 2019.
With Ghosh quite popular amongst Bangladeshi cricketers as well, he was also the unofficial member of their squad whenever they would travel for a bilateral series or a multi-nation tournament. Thus, even during the Asia Cup 2008 which followed next (in July 2008), Dhoni yet again had the opportunity to relish the Masala tea made by his ‘Chai Dada‘.
While Dhoni had become his regular customer whenever India and Bangladesh squared-off, the magic in his hands had even impressed a few other Indian cricketers including the likes of Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, and Yusuf Pathan.
MS Dhoni Gave Up Chocolates And Milk Shakes In 2009
13 months after the aforementioned story, Dhoni had decided to throw sugary products in chocolates and milkshakes out of his diet right away after turning 28 in July 2009. Ironically much, 12 years after incorporating a strict dietary plan as part of his system and routine, Chennai Super Kings captain had invested in a start-up which indulged in the production of artisan chocolates and beer, the brand name of which is inspired by his famous helicopter shot.
As far as his decision to leave out his favourite sweet delicacies are concerned, Dhoni perhaps had taken the decision to ensure his longevity in the sport packed with a busy schedule.
“Yes, the food habits have changed. When I made my debut, it used to be butter chicken, naan and milkshakes with lots of chocolates and soft drinks. Once I turned 28, the chocolate was off, the milk shake was off. After [quitting] Test cricket, all the healthy food came in. The breads, the kebabs all those things came in,” Dhoni was quoted as saying by CricTracker during an event in Mumbai in June 2018.
Been used to food-related sacrifices, Dhoni had even opted for the same as part of a superstitious belief during the entirety of ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
