Fine dining for captains, a selfie for Kohli
MELBOURNE: Being a member of the India cricket team gives the opportunity to stay in some of the finest hotels around the world. Melbourne is no different. The players are staying at the Langham Hotel, which is built in a beautiful location. Most of the rooms overlook the Yarra river which flows nearby.
The Queens Bridge Square has a number of fancy restaurants that serve cuisine from a number of countries. However, the favourite destination for the India team members is “The Meat and Wine Co”, which advertises that it serves meat lovers in a relaxed atmosphere.
On Monday afternoon, for the second time in 18 hours, India vice-captain Virat Kohli headed to the restaurant.
“MS Dhoni and Virat were here last night for dinner. Today, Virat came with another person for lunch. He ordered chicken skewers, which we serve with potato chips,” a restaurant official told HT.
“Dhoni and Virat had the same dish. Earlier also, Indian cricketers have come to our restaurant.”
The second time Kohli had an Indian support staff for company.
“It was a pleasant surprise for our Indian staff to see the captain and vicecaptain together in our restaurant, they immediately recognised him. Dhoni was all smiles as he left,” the official said.
India landed from Auckland after the win over Zimbabwe only on Monday. Kohli headed to the hotel for lunch, but there was no space. The hotel staff accommodated them after a ten-minute wait.
Now, it’s not easy for Kohli to roam the city as he can be mobbed by fans.
On Monday, he wore a track suit, cap and sun glasses, all black, and white shoes when he stepped out of the team hotel. After a few metres, he pulled the hood over his head.
But a young college student of Indian origin, Karan Raichura, still recognised him and requested a selfie. Kohli immediately obliged the boy. He even removed the hood as the student captured his hero in his phone.
“The picture is a little dark because of his cap.
But I am happy he accepted my request. This picture is precious for me,” said Karan.