Thiruvananthapuram: Indian skipper Virat Kohli was bowled over by the roasted pearl spot loaded with spices and the grilled red snapper while Dhoni relished a chicken kebab pizza cooked to perfection in a tandoor. The Indian cricket team was given a grand welcome at Thiruvanathapuram when the team landed here for the 5th ODI against West Indies. A celebration of flavours, spices, and cuisines awaited the Indian cricket team at the Kovalam Leela Raviz hotel. Kohli and his teammates feasted on a variety of fresh seafood prepared in different styles.

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Besides pearl spot and red snapper, mud crabs from the Ashtamudi Lake, specially caught for the cricketers, were also served at the table. As Dhoni is not a fan of seafood, mouth-watering chicken dishes were arranged for him. For lunch, he munched on chicken kebab pizza with a glass of fresh orange juice. A special barbecue counter was set up at the Leela Raviz for the West Indies team as well. North Indian dishes, along with local delicacies were served for dinner.

Exclusive buffet

An elaborate buffet featuring Kerala, north-Indian, western, and Continental cuisine was arranged for breakfast at the luxury hotel. Dosa, idli, puttu, boiled tapioca with bird eye chilli chutney, ilayada (rice patties steamed in banana leaf), kozhukatta (steamed, sweet rice balls), and idiyappam and egg curry are some of the dishes that were served. Live dosa counter where hot crispy dosa with tasty filling, as per the player's preference, was also opened as part of the breakfast spread. There were at least 20 different kinds of chutneys to choose from.

Steaming hot puttu made with chambavari (traditional brown rice) and white rice was a favourite among the players. For lunch, special food prepared as per the instructions of the BCCI dietician was served for the team. It included lots of grilled items as well. The dishes for both the teams are prepared by a group of efficient chefs headed by Suresh Pillai, executive chef of the Raviz Gropu of Hotels.

Both the teams were welcomed to the Leela Raviz by executive chef Suresh Pillai.

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