The Indian men’s
cricket team will not be served beef or pork and all meat items served to them
have to be ‘halal’, according to new catering rules in place, NDTV quoted sources
as saying. The change in menu comes as the Indian team gets ready to face New
Zealand in a two-match Test series after winning three consecutive T20 internationals
against the Kiwis.

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The catering rules
are being changed to improve fitness of the team which was a cause taken up by
Virat Kohli when he took over the reins. In the upcoming Test series, Ajinkya
Rahane will be standing in for Kohli, who is being rested. Rohit Sharma, India’s
new T20I captain is also being rested for the Test series.

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The change in
catering rules has triggered a controversy on social media. People wondered
aloud why the cricketers were not being allowed to eat their preferred type of
food.

Notably, the
dietary plan has not been issued by the BCCI. For food requirements, the Indian
cricket team management will have to convey catering needs to the host board
via BCCI. For the upcoming Test, the host board is the Uttar Pradesh Cricket
Association.   

The Test series
between India and New Zealand begins November 25. In a surprising move, star
Indian opener KL Rahul has been ruled out of the series.

A statement issued
by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reads, “Team India batsman Mr.
KL Rahul has sustained a muscle strain on his left thigh and has been ruled out
of the upcoming 2-match Paytm Test series against New Zealand.”

“He will now
undergo rehabilitation at NCA in preparation for the series against South
Africa scheduled next month. The All-India Senior Selection Committee has named
Mr. Suryakumar Yadav as KL Rahul’s replacement.”

Along with Rahul,
several Indian heavyweights will be missing the tests.

Replacing KL Rahul
in the squad is Suryakumar Yadav, who is expected to make his debut against the
Kiwis.