When cricket is on, everything else in an Indian household automatically adjusts: conversations, dinner timings, even work calls.
So when a fiery exchange happened between SunRisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma and Lucknow SuperGiants’ Digvesh Rathi during IPL 2025, it naturally caught everyone’s attention.
But alongside all the on-field drama, another trend was quietly picking up speed, it was during this match that more fans began to cook their own quick snacks and meals.
In place of using food delivery services, fans preferred opening their smart ovens, air fryers and cooktops. That change, too, isn’t random.
The faster, smarter, and easier modern kitchen appliances become, the more they’re turning match time into cooking time, all without missing any action.
Moreover, we examine how smart appliances are increasingly infiltrating Indian households.
Let’s get started!
The Drama That Stirred Up More Than Just Emotions
It was a regular IPL evening, or so we thought. SunRisers Hyderabad were chasing a massive target. Abhishek Sharma was in beast mode, 59 off just 20 balls. Then came Digvesh Rathi’s turn to bowl.
He got Sharma out and celebrated in his own signature style, the notebook flip. Now, fans either love this or hate it. Sharma clearly didn’t love it. He had a few things to say. Rathi had a few to return. And boom, instant Twitter trending moment.
But while social media was flooded with memes, a different kind of action was happening at home. People started cooking.
What’s Fueling This Match-Time Cooking Craze?
Simple answer, appliances that can keep up with your match.
Let’s say you’re watching a T20. You’ve got about 3 to 4 hours, but the real excitement is during boundaries, wickets, and those tense stare-downs like the Sharma-Rathi one.
During time-outs, innings breaks, or even DRS reviews, people want to feel productive, but not miss the match.
That’s where instant cooking comes in.
Now, you’re probably thinking, “Okay, but people have always cooked while watching cricket, right?”
Yes. But earlier it was one family member cooking while others watched.
Today, it’s more of a shared experience. Everyone’s involved. And that’s thanks to appliances that are easy, fast, and smart.
Let’s Talk Appliances: What’s Actually Hot Right Now
If you’re serious about jumping on the match-time cooking trend, here are the five categories that have become game-changers.
1. Microwave Ovens with Pre-set Indian Menus
Remember when microwaves were just for reheating? Not anymore. Today’s models offer pre-programmed menus for everything from paneer tikka to dhokla.
Want to make something during the 10-minute strategic timeout? Just pop it in, press a button, and you’re back before the next over.
2. Air Fryers: The MVP of Match Nights
Crispy snacks with 90 percent less oil? That’s a win. Air fryers are now everywhere, and people are air-frying everything from banana chips to momos.
You won’t believe this, during the Sharma-Rathi clash, a Mumbai-based fan actually posted a story saying, “Perfect timing. Sharma’s wicket and my samosas both were done at the same second.” That’s real-time cooking goals.
IPL Evenings Are Now Kitchen Events
Gone are the days when cricket nights meant ordering food and sitting in front of the TV for hours.
Today, thanks to these appliances, fans are turning match time into family kitchen time. Imagine this, dad’s tossing paneer in the air fryer, mum’s baking garlic bread in the microwave, and the kids are blending mango milkshakes. All while watching the match together.
It’s wholesome. It’s engaging. And honestly, it’s a lot healthier than munching on chips for three hours.
Kitchen Tips for Match-Time Cooking (SEO-Friendly Section)
If you’re ready to bring this trend home, here’s a quick guide.
Top 5 Match-Time Snacks You Can Make in Under 15 Minutes:
- Air-fried paneer fingers
- Microwave popcorn masala style
- Tandoori aloo in grill oven
- Sweet corn chaat using Haier’s one-touch chopper
- Masala oats cooked on induction with pre-set timer
Appliances You Should Invest In:
- Smart microwave with Indian presets
- Air fryer with large capacity
- App-controlled hob (InstaCook models from Haier are best)
- Convertible refrigerator with fast cooling
- Compact blender with smoothie jar
How to Plan a Full IPL Meal Without Leaving the TV:
- Start with prep during the toss
- Microwave or air-fry starters during the first innings
- Slow cook your curry or dal during the innings break
- Roti or rice in final overs using app timers
- Finish with pre-chilled dessert during post-match presentation
Why This Trend is Here to Stay
Cricket and cooking are now officially teammates. IPL has given us more than just edge-of-the-seat moments. It has created a whole new vibe around tech, food, and lifestyle.
This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about bringing joy, bonding, and creativity back into the kitchen, and doing it while not missing even a single delivery from your favourite bowler.
And at the heart of this entire revolution are the appliances making it possible.Visit Haier India to check out a full range of kitchen appliances made for modern Indian homes.