It has been completely one-sided series for the No.1 ODI team in the world with no fight from the opposition. After losing the Test series 2-1 for South Africa, team India got back into their fighting zone to give their best and clinch the 6-match ODI series 5-1 against the Proteas.

After an impressive bowling display, Indian skipper Virat Kohli led from the front with the bat to help India beat South Africa by eight wickets in the sixth one-day international at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday. Team India is now on a high after clinching their first-ever ODI series on South Africa soil.

While the visitors have been on song so far during the series, it is learned that the Men in Blue have been unhappy with the food served by the local caterers during match-days and practice sessions before the game.

An incident from the 2014-15 tour of Australia shows how Indian cricketers are particular about their choice of food. Ishant Sharma and Suresh Raina went out of the stadium during the Gabba Test to buy food, unhappy with the fare in the dressing room provided by the match organizers. The issue cropped up in the rainbow nation too.

A local South African caterer was tasked with providing food in the dressing rooms was removed and told not to serve the Indian team. Instead, an Indian caterer, Geet restaurant from Pretoria was hired. In other venues too, local caterers, non-Indian, were kept away.

“The players were unhappy with the local caterer here. So, we were hired and they are enjoying and liking it. We only cater to the dressing room and to the officials accompanying the Indian team,” said the manager of Geet restaurant.

The local caterer who didn’t wish to reveal his identity said that the issue persisted only with the Indian team since they demanded home cooked food. Though they were given the option of including vegetarian cuisine, the team did not savor it since the aroma and flavor were very different compared to Indian restaurants.

“That is the only reason we can think of. Otherwise, none of the other teams have had issues,” the South African caterer said. The issue over catering is only for the dressing room on match-days and at practice on days preceding the game.

Here is what India has been served at Centurion:

Breakfast:

Done by local caterer for both teams

Homemade Granola, All-bran flakes, Future life high protein cereal, muesli and milo cereal, double thick Greek yogurt, fat-free milk and almond milk, fresh fruits, dried fruits, biltong dried wors (basically dried meat), mix roast nuts, tea/coffee. (The Indians have asked for an omelet station in addition).

Meals:

Non-breakfast meals for India (done by Geet restaurant)

Non-veg: Chicken rezala (replaced by Chicken Alleppey for Friday’s final ODI); Lamb Seyal (a dish of cubed meat cooked in spices)

Vegetarian: At least two types of Dal (including daal makhani), palak paneer, goli masala (greens steamed and mashed and stuffed with cheese etc), butter naan, basmati rice.

Also, Khurmani ki Tikki (Khoobani ki Tikki; apricot-filled potato cake or Aloo Tikki with yogurt and tamarind chutney) was served last time here. India said don’t need a sweet dish this time.

(For South Africa)

In the change room: Fruits, low-fat yogurt, bread, peanut butter, boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, jams, butter, granola bars, flavored milk.

Lunch: Roast leg of lamb sliced in jus, lemon, and herb roasted chicken pieces, Napolitano baked line fish, caramelized basmati rice, baked sweet potatoes, Mediterranean baked vegetables.

Dessert: Sugar-free Fudge Ice-cream with fresh cut fruits
Post-match: Chocolate flavored milk, chicken, and beef prego rolls, pita with hummus and falafel.

Also Read: South African Bus Driver Was Unhappy With The Team And Here’s What Team India Did To Him