Rishabh Pant's Customized Nutrition Plan: Meet His Private Chef Akshay Arora

Since his return to professional cricket, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has implemented a highly tailored approach to his fitness and recovery regimen. Central to this effort is his private chef, Akshay Arora, founder of the Mumbai-based Neat Meals, who travels with Pant to ensure his nutritional needs are meticulously managed in conjunction with his nutritionist, Shweta Shah.

Shweta explained the challenges Pant faced while dining at hotels, stating that the lack of quality chefs hindered his adherence to a strict nutrition plan. “I told his manager that we weren’t progressing as planned, and that’s how we got Akshay on board. With him, we were assured that Rishabh was eating clean, tailored meals and not consuming processed foods,” she shared with IANS.

In the wake of his recovery from the severe injuries sustained in a life-threatening car accident in December 2022, Shweta worked closely with Pant to ensure his diet included anti-inflammatory foods and optimal hydration to facilitate quicker recovery between matches.

“While I might specify 'chicken' in the diet plan, Akshay creatively prepares a variety of dishes we had never considered, keeping the diet interesting while maintaining its nutritional integrity,” Shweta added. After starting this partnership in January 2024, Pant expressed his desire to continue with this structured approach, which promises consistency and quality tailored for his athletic performance.

Arora, with his focus on athlete nutrition, aims to create meals that are both appetizing and nutritious, keeping Pant engaged and satisfied. “For instance, when you mention 40 grams of rice, it can take many forms—rice noodles, dosa, or rice crackers. The key is to introduce variety with different ingredients to avoid monotony,” he explained.

Understanding that maintaining interest in food is crucial for someone like Pant, who identifies as a foodie, Arora is committed to ensuring that the meals remain varied and exciting. “He’s been very open to trying different types of food,” Arora noted.

In discussing energy requirements, Arora highlighted the dual focus of taste and macro-nutrition. “On game days, if Pant hasn’t consumed enough carbohydrates, we tweak the meal plan to provide what he needs for recovery without feeling heavy. This approach is very much tailor-made and involves constant communication with Shweta,” he explained.

Arora shared two memorable moments from his journey with Pant: the cricketer’s return during IPL 2024 and scoring a Test century against Bangladesh in Chennai. “The Test hundred in Chennai was particularly satisfying; it felt overdue. Capturing the moment he walked onto the field for the IPL match was emotional, given the uncertainties surrounding his return,” Arora recalled.

He described the pride he felt witnessing Pant score his century in Test cricket, emphasizing the significance of representing the nation rather than an IPL team. “I also have the video of when he took those last two runs to complete his hundred, which was a proud moment for me,” he added.

Looking ahead, Arora believes the trend of employing private chefs will grow among Indian cricketers, recognizing its potential for enhancing performance and longevity in their careers. “It’s not just about weight loss anymore. Players are realizing that clean eating and proper nutrition significantly impact their on-field performance,” he observed.

While the trend may take time to fully establish, Arora noted that as more athletes experience its benefits, it will likely become commonplace. “This approach also aligns with rehabilitation concepts, investing in services that facilitate faster recovery and prolong athletes’ careers,” he concluded.

As Rishabh Pant continues to refine his diet under Akshay Arora's guidance, both athlete and chef are dedicated to achieving peak performance through meticulous nutrition planning.