"I am scared to talk to Virat Kohli"- Rinku Singh's jaw-dropping claim

Star India batter Rinku Singh has revealed his conversation with Virat Kohli and how he got the bat from the India legend for the second time. Rinku also mentioned that he follows a good diet plan like Virat Kohli to keep himself fit.

The camaraderie between Virat Kohli and Rinku Singh was one of the biggest talking points in IPL 2024.

It started when Kohli gave his bat to Rinku after the latter had asked for one. The video was captured on the camera and caught everyone's attention.

Unfortunately, the bat got broken by Rinku while attempting a big shot in the nets. Surprisingly, Rinku went up to Kohli to show the broken bat and asked for a new one.

Kohli seemed surprised knowing that his bat had been broken in the nets. The 35-year-old gave an angry look initially but gave up a new bat to the youngster later.

Also read: Rohit Sharma vs Virat Kohli: Rinku Singh reveals his favorite captain

Rinku Singh breaks silence on his conversation with Virat Kohli during IPL 2024

During a brief chat with News24, Rinku shared his conversation with Virat Kohli. He revealed that he was not expecting to get a new bat initially after he broke the first bat. But Kohli eventually gave him a new willow later.

"I am a little scared to approach him since he is very senior. I had just gone to show him the broken bat. I did not expect to get a new bat from him. I told him that the bat that you gave to me has been broken in the nets," Rinku disclosed in his chat with Kohli.

"He gave me the first bat in Bengaluru during this (IPL) season. I had asked for the bat from him and he gave it. I told him that I needed a bat to play and he gave it to me. Then, I was trying to smash some big hits with the new bat but it broke in the nets," Rinku said.

I did not expect that I would get a new bat from him. Then, I went after him for some time, and he eventually gave me the bat," he added.

Rinku Singh full interview about Virat Kohli ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hF6dsYIm7W

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Rinku Singh considers Virat Kohli an inspiration for fitness

When asked about their conversation about batting, Rinku responded that he asked about the mindset when a batter is out of form. Kohli advised him to remain calm as such things are a part of a cricketer's life.

"It was mainly about the mindset. What should be your mindset should be when the runs are not coming? He told me that you should back your shots. Never be irritated. That's what he was telling me. These things are also important in a cricketer's life. We learn from such things," Rinku stated.

"Everyone knows that he is No. 1 in terms of fitness. Every player takes inspiration from him and learns how to be fit. I also look up to him and try to follow a good diet and train well. I had played a series earlier this year (against Afghanistan) but haven't batted alongside him. Everyone dreams of playing with Virat Kohli. I also dreamt of playing with him," the 26-year-old added.

Virat Kohli and Rinku Singh played with each other during India's T20I series against Afghanistan earlier this year. However, both did not get a chance to bat together.

Following that series, Virat Kohli was selected for India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad but Rinku Singh missed out on the 15-member squad and was instead a part of the reserves. India went on to clinch the trophy to end an 11-year-long title drought for an ICC trophy.