Yuvraj Singh Can't Choose Between Kadhi Chawal And Cricket

When Yuvraj Singh puts his heart and mind into something, you know it's cut out to be a success. At the recently-concluded International Masters League 2025, the all-rounder was praised for his knockout performance, which reminded fans of his previous feats on the field.

But Singh is in no mood to rest. He's already moved to his next project, KOCA – a high-energy fine dining destination in Gurugram. Being a true blue foodie, Singh wanted to create a space where food was the hero. The menu handcrafted by chefs Megha Kohli and Noah brings that vision to life. Featuring six distinct cuisines (inspired by Singh's Six Sixes), the food programme also includes a special ‘Yuvi’s Favourites’ section. Of course, it also has kadhi chawal, Singh’s comfort dish, albeit in a reimagined format!

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He's also up to a lot more (read: something to do with fashion).

In an exclusive chat with Esquire India, Singh discusses his foray into the world of food, his love for sports beyond cricket, and how his kids react to his celebrity status.

Was a culinary venture always in the making?

KOCA, which stands for Kitchen of the Celebratory Arts, is all about celebrating food with your friends and family. I was initially reluctant to have a restaurant because a lot of them fail. People often go to a place and comment on the food first and then everything else. When this concept was given to me and my wife, Hazel, we thought it could go international. That's how we took it up.

Whether it's Virat Kohli, Zaheer Khan or even Sachin Tendulkar, a lot of cricketers have experimented with the restaurant business. Why is it so?

When we were playing cricket, there were several evenings when we bonded over food. When you focus on the game, you want to have good food. If your belly isn't happy, your mind will definitely not cooperate. And I believe now is the best time to understand the business of food.

It is publicly known that roller skating was your first love. However, you ended up playing cricket professionally because of your father. Would you go back to it if given a choice?

Maybe ask my knees (laughs), they aren't in a happy state at the moment. Honestly, I am not sure if I will ever go back to roller skating. But if I had an opportunity to turn back the clock, I would probably mentor young boys from my state as I do with cricket. It's a fun sport but not too popular.

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You say your knees have given way but your performance at IML 2025 shows otherwise…

I definitely surprised myself. I worked hard for two months and that showed on the field. And I think once I get competitive, the best has to come out.

Your view on fashion and cricket being a dream team.

There's a lot of fashion in sports and we've seen big brands taking interest in athleisure. Being fashionable to me isn't always about being fit or athletic, it's about adding some colour to your life. Hopefully, I will be launching something ‘fashionable’ soon. Like KOCA celebrates food, this project will celebrate sport.

Have your kids imbibed your love for food and cricket?

In India, my kids are very desi. They like everything from dosa and sambhar to khichdi. My wife Hazel jokes that they are definitely Yuvraj Singh's children.

About cricket, they are beginning to understand that their father plays cricket although my son doesn't get why others don't. He came to watch me at the IML 2025 and I was thrilled.

Funnily, when I smash a six, he cheers and claps along with others. When I get a no ball or a single, he says ‘Good job, Daddy' (laughs).

We also know you're great at golf. What's next on the cards?

I have played golf at various international tournaments but I have realised I am better at cricket (laughs). If I have to make money, I have to play cricket. Jokes apart, golf is something I love, so I don't take it seriously. I enjoy playing it with my father-in-law or cricketer friends.