Air India goes all out on a World Cup cricket theme

Famous cricket players have had various things named in honour of them, from park benches to street signs to even entire stadiums. But who’d have thought to name a bunch of delicious dishes after popular cricketers? Air India, that’s who.

India’s national air carrier this week launched a fresh on-board menu for flights between India and Australia in tribute to the great game of cricket, and tying in nicely with the 2015 ICC World Cup.

Dishes have been named in honour of famous cricketers, from MS Dhoni right through to Steve Smith. Take, for example, the Indian-style chicken served with fragrant pilaf which has been named as Dhoni’s Swashbuckling Super Sixer. A traditional rasamalai dessert is designated as Sachin’s Sweet Drive. And the fish of the will be dubbed Captain Smith’s Catch of the Season.

Other highlights on the menu include South African cricketer JP Duminy’s favourite decadent dish — an hors d’oeuvre made with prawn kolivada accompanied by chicken harayali tikka, served with creamy cheese and vegetables, and then there’s Chris Gayle’s Lamb Goulash with potato wedges, carrots and minted green peas.

To top off the cricket connection, Business Class menu cards have been signed by cricketers and will be presented as souvenirs to passengers of their Air India experience, while Business Class passengers will also be given sleepwear emblazoned with a cricket bat-yielding Maharajah.

Now that’s what we call an impressive delivery.  Antonino Tati

For bookings and information visit www.airindia.in.