With beef off the menu, how are cricketers beefing up for the World Cup?

In the lead-up to the ICC World Cup 2023 in India, all participating teams will be relying on alternative protein sources since beef is not included in the tournament's dietary offerings.

As a result, chicken, mutton, and fish will take centerestage as the primary sources of protein for the players.

On the menu are grilled lamb chops, mutton curry, and the beloved Punjabi butter chicken, providing both delectable flavors and essential nutrition.

With practice matches currently underway and the tournament just a couple of days away, let's delve into the dietary choices of the participating cricketers in the World Cup, considering their need for protein, overall nutrition, and taste satisfaction.

Not a one-size-fits-all approach

• Dietary plans for cricketers are anything but one-size-fits-all.
• Team nutritionists, tournament hosts, and hotels collaborate to consider several factors when creating individual diets.
• These parameters range from the player's role in the team (batter/bowler), fielding position, and the intensity and duration of their training sessions to their body size, BMI, and age.
• The primary goal is to provide each player with the necessary nutrients to support muscle growth, recovery, and sustained energy throughout.

The role of carbs

• Carbohydrates also play a crucial role in a cricketer's diet, given the demanding nature of the game today.
• The energy-intensive, long ODI format, with extended training sessions and matches, requires ample carbohydrate intake.
• To meet these requirements, teams will incorporate options like steamed basmati rice, biryanis, whole-grain pasta, oats, sweet potatoes, and vegetarian pulao into their meals, ensuring players have the energy needed to perform at their best.

Proteins

• Beef, pork, chicken and fish cover a significant portion of a cricketer's protein intake, with heavier meats like beef, lamb, and goat usually served during lunch.
• Light fish fillets, accompanied by greens and light seasoning, mostly make up their dinner, especially during tournaments.
• Mumbai-based sports nutritionist Purabi Gunjal told DailyO, "Due to the unavailability of beef, which has a complete protein profile, zinc, vitamin B12, and iron, other red meat options like lamb and mutton can be a wise choice to ensure players receive essential nutrients."
• Purabi also noted that skipping beef "could lead to positive changes in reducing body fat percentages."
• "Preparations like chicken and fish steaks and grills can also serve as good alternative sources of protein with lower saturated fat content," she added.

Pre-training nutrition

• Before training sessions, cricketers often consume nutrient-rich, high-energy meals that sustain them for hours. They may also be seen sipping on salt-based drinks.
• These meals include whole-grain snacks, bread, fruits, boiled vegetables, protein bars, lean proteins, eggs, and dairy products.
• Some teams opt for low-fibre fruit options as they are lower in roughage.
• On demanding training days, muesli bars and yoghurt may be included in their diet to maintain optimal energy levels.

Staying hydrated

• Proper hydration is critical for cricketers, as even slight dehydration can affect their performance, especially on hot and humid Indian days.
• To prevent dehydration, cricketers consume energy drinks, water, and unsweetened fruit juices before and during training sessions.

Post-training recovery

• Post-training recovery focuses on muscle recovery and fluid replenishment.
• After sessions, cricketers turn to foods like whole-grain and lean-meat sandwiches.
• Popular options also include Greek yogurt with berries and whole-grain noodles with stir-fried vegetables and chicken.

Matchday

• On matchdays, a cricketer's pre-match meal is carefully designed to provide high carbohydrates and low calories along with a balance maintained between them.
• Oatmeal, whole-grain cereals, whole wheat pasta, fluids, and electrolytes make up the pre-game menu, often consumed a couple of hours before the game starts.
• These meals are designed to provide each player with the necessary energy to help them hit their best during matches.

Cheat meals?

• Of course, competitive cricketers also indulge in cheat meals with room for regional flavours during extended stays, like in India, during the World Cup, unless they are Virat Kohli.
• As a result, teams also incorporate some indulgence into their diets, like they might taste Hyderabadi biryani, haleem, butter chicken, galawti kababs and the real Chicken Tikkka Masala, as occasional treats, during this ICC World Cup 2023 in India.
• The players might also get to taste desserts made of fruits and millet as India is, of late promoting the superfood.