Rinku Singh reveals the story behind his viral bat request to Virat Kohli

Indian batter Rinku Singh had grabbed headlines during the IPL 2024 for repeatedly requesting Virat Kohli for another bat after he had broken the bat gifted to him earlier in the season. On the sidelines of the practice session at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Rinku had approached Kohli.

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh had requested the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener for another bat in Kolkata. However, Virat Kohli was not very pleased when Rinku mentioned that he had broken the bat gifted to him earlier, and he was seemingly questioning about the bat.

Rinku Singh reveals how Virat Kohli generously gifted him a second bat

However, at that time the dashing right-hander refused to provide him with another bat, but Kohli eventually gifted the left-handed batter another bat during the IPL 2024. This had become the talk of the town, with fans hilariously pulling the KKR star’s leg for requesting Kohli for another bat.

Now, Rinku Singh shared an amusing yet touching story about the viral incident that left a lasting impression on him. He revealed that he had to ask Virat Kohli for a second bat after the first one, which the former Indian skipper had gifted him, broke.

Despite the awkwardness of asking for another bat, the Indian batter was pleasantly surprised by Kohli’s generous gesture. The Indian batting master not only agreed to give him another bat but did so without hesitation, and it won Rinku’s heart and respect yet again.

Unlike what the viral video depicts, the KKR batter revealed that the RCB batter didn’t even deny him the bat once. For Rinku, receiving that second bat from a player of Kohli's stature was a significant moment, which reflects the 35-year-old’s humility and his willingness to help youngsters.

Virat Kohli didn't deny me at all: Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh was quoted as saying by SportsTak: “Virat Bhaiya gave me a bat before, but it was broken, so I asked for another one, and he didn't say no to me. He was kind enough to give another bat to me; he didn't deny me at all. It was a big deal for me when he gave me a second bat.”

Meanwhile, the explosive batter has publicly declared that he will join RCB if KKR doesn’t retain him ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Rinku said that RCB is his favorite team after the KKR, and he would love to play alongside Kohli, who completed 16 years in international cricket on August 18, in the IPL if he gets the chance.

There is already a lot of buzz about player retention ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, and if KKR overlooks him, Rinku’s first choice would be RCB, saying he will join the Bengaluru-based franchise only because of Kohli in the IPL. He also admitted that his failure to produce an impressive performance in domestic cricket led him to be ousted from the Duleep Trophy 2024 squads.