For years, the dietary choices of cricket superstar Virat Kohli and acclaimed actress Anushka Sharma have been a subject of public fascination. Often lauded for their strict discipline and dedication to fitness, the couple's shift away from animal products has inspired many to reconsider their own eating habits. However, the common misconception that they are both strictly vegan requires clarification. The reality is more nuanced, with their individual diets evolving over time to meet specific needs.
Anushka Sharma's Dietary Journey: From Vegetarian to Plant-Based
Anushka Sharma's transition to a plant-based diet began with vegetarianism in 2015, citing her profound love for animals as the primary motivation. She has since moved towards a stricter plant-based and gluten-free lifestyle, actively avoiding dairy and refined sugar. This was a personal choice that she felt aligned with her values of kindness and compassion. Anushka's influence was a significant factor in her husband's later dietary shift, as he was inspired by her commitment to animal welfare.
Virat Kohli's Shift: From Meat-Lover to Plant-Powered Vegetarian
Virat Kohli's dietary transformation was initially driven by health issues rather than ethics. A self-proclaimed lover of butter chicken in his younger days, he was forced to re-evaluate his eating habits in 2018 during a tour of South Africa. He experienced a cervical spine problem, caused by nerve compression, which doctors attributed to a very high-acidic stomach. This high acidity was causing his body to pull calcium from his bones, weakening them. Advised to cut out meat, Kohli made the switch and reported feeling much better, more energetic, and suffering fewer fitness-related issues.
Following his move to a vegetarian diet, Kohli largely adopted a plant-based approach. The confusion over his status arose in 2021 after he mentioned consuming "some eggs" during an Instagram Q&A. This led to criticism from some who believed he had claimed to be vegan. Kohli quickly clarified on Twitter that he had 'never claimed to be vegan' and had always maintained he was a vegetarian. His diet is heavily plant-focused, but the inclusion of eggs means he does not adhere to a strict vegan lifestyle. In recent years, his diet continues to consist of boiled or steamed vegetables, lentils, and quinoa, focusing on nutrient density over complex flavors.
Ethical and Environmental Advocacy
Beyond personal health, the couple is united in their advocacy for a meat-free lifestyle for ethical and environmental reasons. They became investors and brand ambassadors for Blue Tribe, a plant-based meat company, in 2022. This collaboration was a way for them to show how people can reduce their carbon footprint and live more consciously. Kohli noted that he wanted to enjoy the food he loved without leaving a huge environmental impact. For both of them, this represents a lifestyle choice rooted in compassion for animals and a dedication to the planet.
Comparison of the Virushka Diet
| Feature | Virat Kohli's Diet | Anushka Sharma's Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Label | Vegetarian (primarily plant-based) | Vegan |
| Key Motivation | Initially health concerns (spine issue, acidity), later joined ethical/environmental | Ethical and compassionate reasons (love for animals) |
| Meat Consumption | No meat | No meat |
| Dairy Consumption | Minimal to no dairy | No dairy |
| Egg Consumption | Yes, some eggs | No eggs |
| Other Animal Products | Avoids most, though not as strictly as veganism requires | Avoids all animal-derived products (e.g., honey, leather) |
A Shared Commitment to Wellness and Compassion
The story of Virat and Anushka's dietary choices is one of evolving personal convictions and a shared commitment to a healthier, more compassionate lifestyle. While their paths to a plant-based diet differed, their public platforms now amplify a powerful message about the benefits of mindful eating. Their investment in plant-based food technologies further cements their status as advocates for change. Ultimately, whether you classify them as vegan or vegetarian, their influence on promoting a meat-free, plant-forward lifestyle is undeniable and continues to grow.
Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma join plant-based brand Blue Tribe as investors and brand ambassadors
Conclusion
Virat Kohli identifies as a vegetarian who primarily eats a plant-based diet, including eggs. Anushka Sharma follows a strict vegan diet. Their dietary differences are subtle but important, with both motivated by wellness, ethics, and environmental awareness. Their combined influence has significantly boosted the plant-based movement in India.
