The Indian cricket team gathered for a team dinner in Adelaide ahead of the second ODI against Australia. On October 22, the players were spotted at a popular Indian restaurant in the South Australian city. Australia’s Channel 7 shared images and clips of the team’s visit to the local eatery on Henley Beach Road in Torrensville, coinciding with the Diwali celebrations.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma enjoyed a visit to one of their preferred dining spots during what is considered their final international tour of Australia. Kohli was seen in a black shirt, grey jeans, and a grey cap, while Rohit chose a simple black T-shirt for the celebratory meal.
Captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who wore a multicoloured shirt, were also present at the dinner along with Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Nitish Reddy, and others. The Indian cricketers arrived as a group in a team bus from their hotel.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir and other support staff members were not visible in the footage shared by the Australian broadcaster.
Suman Visanthim, the restaurant owner, expressed delight in hosting the team, mentioning, “It’s a pure pleasure hosting them.”
The Indian players attended the team dinner following an optional training session before the second ODI. Former captain Rohit Sharma had an extensive batting practice session at Adelaide Oval, which is sold out for the highly anticipated Thursday match.
“They wanted more of a homestyle than a restaurant-style experience. So, whenever they visit, we try to cook homestyle food,” Suman added.
Kohli and Rohit have frequented the restaurant on past tours and personal visits to Australia. A photo of Suman with Kohli and Anushka Sharma is exhibited inside the restaurant. Suman also revealed that the eatery and its homely cuisine are favored by Sachin Tendulkar.
Suman’s love for cricket is evident in the restaurant’s decor, adorned with signed jerseys and cricket bats from various players.
The team dinner in Australia also serves as a statement following earlier rumors this year suggesting a lack of bonding among the players off the field. During the challenging Border-Gavaskar Trophy, reports surfaced that the Indian team had skipped team dinners, even after head coach Gautam Gambhir offered to cover the expenses. Leaks from the dressing room were a major focus during the series, which India lost 1-3, marking the end of Rohit and Kohli’s Test careers.
The focus now shifts to on-field action as India aims to bounce back and level the three-match series. In the rain-shortened series opener in Perth, India suffered a seven-wicket defeat. Key players like Kohli, Rohit, and Gill struggled as India posted 136 for 9 in 26 overs. Australia chased a revised target of 131 runs under the DLS method in 21.1 overs, led by a composed 46 from Mitchell Marsh.
All eyes will be on Kohli and Rohit as they strive to perform in Adelaide. Kohli, familiar with the ground, is just 25 runs shy of becoming the first visiting batter to reach 1,000 runs at the Adelaide Oval.