‘Chef Ko Nachwaoge Kya?’: Virat & Team India’ Dancing Welcome in Raipur Sparks Netizen Debate

New Delhi, December 03, 2025: The Indian cricket team’s arrival at the Mayfair Hotel in Raipur ahead of the second ODI against South Africa has sparked a significant social media discussion, not just for the players’ presence, but for the unique welcome arranged by the hotel staff.

While the team, fresh off a thrilling victory in the first ODI, received a heartwarming reception from young fans bearing roses—a moment that went viral for its sweetness, especially for Virat Kohli—a separate choreographed welcome involving the hotel’s culinary staff has drawn mixed reactions from netizens.

A Dancing Welcome

Videos circulating online show the staff, reportedly including chefs and other hotel employees, performing an energetic dance routine to welcome the cricketers. This grand gesture, intended to be a celebratory and enthusiastic start to the team’s stay, quickly became a subject of internet commentary.

While many appreciated the staff’s effort and enthusiasm, one particular sentiment captured in a viral Hindi comment—”Chef Ko Nachwaoge Kya?” (Will you make the chef dance?)—encapsulated the criticism.

The Heart of the Debate

The phrase highlights a deeper debate about the nature of hospitality and worker respect. Netizens are questioning whether it is appropriate to ask employees, particularly those in service roles like chefs and housekeepers, to perform such activities purely for guest entertainment.

• The Criticism: Critics argue that such elaborate welcomes can put undue pressure on staff who have primary responsibilities like cooking, managing operations, and ensuring the players’ stay is comfortable. They feel it crosses a line from sincere hospitality to forced entertainment.
• The Counter-View: Supporters, however, see it as a reflection of the staff’s genuine excitement and enthusiasm for hosting the national team, suggesting it was a voluntary act intended to add a personal and memorable touch to the welcome. They highlight that such gestures are common in the hospitality industry during high-profile events.

Star Players’ Focus

Amidst the off-field buzz, the team’s focus remains squarely on the upcoming match. Virat Kohli, in particular, has been in the spotlight, not only for the overwhelming love he received from young fans with roses but also for his spectacular, match-winning century in the first ODI in Ranchi.

The players are in Raipur aiming to clinch the three-match ODI series, building on their strong start. The team’s arrival has clearly generated a massive surge of excitement in the city, confirming cricket’s unmatched pull in the country, even if the methods of welcome are now a trending topic of discussion.

The second ODI is scheduled for Wednesday at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium.