Free Ro-Ko shots, giant screens to go with Sunday cricket feast
Times of India | 9 March 2025
12 Kolkata: Get ready to feast on ‘Kohli Chicken Kebab' and gulp down a free shot if the Indian batters fire on Sunday. The stage is set for a riveting contest on blockbuster Sunday when India locks horns with New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final. With the Men in Blue in fine fettle and the Kiwis looking hungry for an ICC title, the match was set to be followed with keen interest across Kolkata's homes, restobars, nightclubs, as well as neighbourhood clubs, some of which have decided to put up giant screens.
There are offers galore for cricket fans in terms of food and beverages at several restaurants that will screen the match. WhatsUp Café on Southern Avenue has decked itself up with the Tricolour and is ready with special offers on food and drinks.
It has put up a giant screen in its open-air area apart from multiple TVs that will screen the match. Fans can order unlimited beer for Rs 999 and other alcoholic beverages for Rs 1499 throughout the duration of the match. There are Ro-Ko (Rohit-Kohli) shots at Rs 4 and Rs 6 for every boundary and sixer hit by India. Every Kiwi wicket will earn you a complimentary shot.
"We had similar offers during the Indo-Pak game last Sunday. We did not have a big screen for the semifinal but had decided that if India reaches the final, the screen would be back. We expect a full house from the afternoon till the match finishes at 10 pm," said owner Anirban Sengupta, also the Kolkata chapter secretary of National Restaurants' Association of India (NRAI).
Songhai and MS Bar & Lounge will offer a complimentary small peg and a large one for every four and six, respectively, hit by India. "That apart, we have lined up a special fare for fans who drop in. There will be ‘Kohli Chicken Kebab' and ‘Rohit Fish Favourite' to whet your appetite as you soak in the thrill of the match. We expect a 20%-25% rise in footfall compared to other Sundays," said owner Sudesh Poddar.
Chapter 2 on Keyatala Road expects a ‘big footfall surge'. "Takeaway orders will be brisk during the match and we are all geared up to welcome and serve the fans," said owner and co-founder Shiladitya Chaudhury.
Footfall across restaurants could be significantly higher if India bats second, said Poddar. "The semifinal had the ideal ingredients of a perfect evening out over food and drinks. You had Kohli chasing down a target through the evening and India winning the game. In case there's an encore, the turnout would be big," Poddar added.
Shopping malls like South City and City Centre will also screen the match on giant screens.
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