Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who recently made history as the first Indian fast bowler to feature in 300 T20 matches, has opened up about his health journey, his strict dietary choices, and how he’s managed to stay fit and injury-free as he continues to perform at the highest level.
In a candid chat with content creator Ranveer Allahabadia, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) bowler revealed surprising insights into his gut health, protein needs, and the discipline it takes to follow a dietitian-approved vegetarian plan while competing in a sport dominated by high-protein, non-vegetarian diets.
From Bed Coffee to Clean Gut – Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar shared that just a few years ago, he used to rely heavily on his morning cup of coffee. “I couldn’t start my day without bed coffee. But I wasn’t feeling right — I had poor gut health,” he explained.
Realizing the impact of his dietary habits, the 35-year-old made a dramatic switch. He eliminated tea and coffee entirely from his routine. “Now, I may have a milk coffee once a week at most, but even that feels like an extra meal. It makes me feel bloated,” he added.
Free on Medical Advice From Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Concerned about persistent digestive issues, Bhuvneshwar consulted a professional dietitian, who advised him to follow a strict elimination diet. His new diet excluded gluten, dairy, and even lentils (dal) — all common components of a typical Indian meal. “I followed the plan strictly for a year. No gluten, no dairy, and no dal. It made a huge difference,” Bhuvneshwar recalled.
Even today, he continues to avoid certain items at home and only occasionally consumes restricted foods while dining outside.
Struggling With Non-Veg: Why He Returned to Vegetarianism
Although Bhuvneshwar has been a lifelong vegetarian, he briefly experimented with non-vegetarian food to meet his protein requirements — a common challenge for vegetarian athletes.
However, the experience didn’t sit well with him. “I tried non-veg for protein, but I never enjoyed it. I eventually gave it up,” he said.
Instead, he turned to a range of high-protein vegetarian alternatives such as:
- Whey protein supplements
- Paneer (cottage cheese)
- Tofu
- Edamame
The results were remarkable. After a full year on a carefully balanced vegetarian diet, his DEXA scan (a muscle mass and body composition test) showed significant improvement in lean muscle mass.
No More Eggs Either — 100% Plant-Focused Now
Interestingly, Bhuvneshwar also mentioned that although eggs were part of his diet at one point, he has completely eliminated them for the past year. Now, his entire focus is on clean, home-cooked, plant-based food that supports both performance and recovery. “Long-term diet plays a big role,” he emphasized, especially in avoiding injuries and maintaining stamina in the demanding world of cricket.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s transformation is not just about food—it’s about a disciplined lifestyle that prioritizes gut health, recovery, and longevity. By listening to his body and trusting expert advice, he has managed to stay competitive even as he nears his late 30s — a time when most fast bowlers struggle to maintain pace and fitness.
His journey is a powerful reminder that diet is not one-size-fits-all, and sometimes, the best performance booster is a well-balanced, personalized vegetarian diet.
Note: This article is based on publicly available information and insights from experts we consulted. Always seek advice from your healthcare provider before beginning any new routine.
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