Ranchi, May 11: The kitchen staff of Radisson Blu Hotel are extra busy these days. Not that they seem to mind — after all, it’s not everyday that one gets to cook for international cricket stars.

The hotel, which is hosting Team KKR that will be playing two T20 matches in the newly built international cricket stadium at Dhurwa, has lined up an elaborate but healthy spread for Gautam Gambhir and Co.

The stress is on light, protein-rich, low cholesterol dishes that is being prepared keeping in mind the oppressive weather and nutritional needs of players.

The same staff will be cooking for Virat Kohli-led RCB, who arrived today for their match against Shah Rukh Khan-owned KKR.

So if today’s breakfast spread offered everything from energy bars, whole wheat bread sandwiches and low fat cheese to omelettes, yoghurt and fruit smoothies, there was soup, salad, tandoori chicken, pasta, stir-fried vegetables, rice, rotis, bread rolls and fresh fruits for lunch.

Both breakfast and lunch were served to the KKR team at the hotel

“Most of the players stuck to omelettes, dry nuts and energy bars for breakfast. They seemed to be enjoying the food. For evening snacks and dinner, they are free to eat at the Kebab Factory or coffee shop,” said a beaming Sous Chef Ram Chandra Oraon, who is obviously delighted in hosting such high-profile guests.

For Oraon, who had earlier prepared food for the Indian and English cricket teams when they came to play Ranchi’s first international ODI on January 19, the T20 assignment is more challenging.

“On the earlier occasion, we prepared food for specific two communities and the food habits of the players of both the teams were quite alike. This time, the players are from diverse backgrounds and we have tried our best to include items that all will like,” Oraon said.

Radisson Blu’s food and beverage manager Richard Pereira added: “During the ODI, we had ample time to prepare the menu. But for T20, we had to make arrangements within a short period.”

But the visitors will miss Jharkhandi specialities like litti chokha and dhuska that were served last time but have been kept out of the menu now because of the weather conditions.

Never mind, there is always a next time.