WATCH: Rinku Singh discloses his funny experience of seeking bats from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

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India‘s explosive middle-order batter Rinku Singh has opened up about his now-famous pursuit of cricket bats from superstars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, sharing candid details from his recent appearance on the Long Off Lounge show with host Shubham Gaur. The Kolkata Knight Riders star’s honest revelations have provided insight into the viral moments that captivated cricket fans worldwide.

Rinku revealed that his friendship with Kohli began during a series before the IPL. “Virat bhai ka bat lena sab chahte hain kyunki acche bat hote hain unke. To IPL jab aaya to maine unse ek bat maangi,” he said. Kohli obliged, handing over his bat for Rinku’s first IPL match together. When Rinku broke it facing a spinner in the nets, he dashed to Kohli: “Bhaiya, bat toot gaya, ek aur bat de do.” Kohli’s bemused reaction – learning the bat broke off spinner deliveries – made the footage an instant hit across social media.

Rinku admitted the frenzy left both players flustered: “Main thoda zyada badnaam ho gaya bat ke chakkar mein,” he joked. Cameramen trailed him relentlessly, turning a simple exchange into one of cricket’s most entertaining off-field sagas.

His next target was Mumbai Indians captain Rohit. Recounting the scene, Rinku said he bumped into Rohit while chatting with teammate Tilak Varma in the MI dressing room. Despite the plan to gift the bat to youth talent Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rohit handed it to Rinku when he asked: “Agar bhaiya de denge, to le lenge.” That clip also went viral, showcasing Rohit’s good-natured response and Rinku’s unabashed eagerness. Rinku explained his motivation: “Bade player ka bat hota to acha lagta hai,” emphasizing his admiration for using equipment of top cricketers.

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Away from bat-chasing humour, Rinku has backed his rising profile with outstanding performances in the UP T20 League 2025. Representing Meerut Mavericks, he amassed 372 runs in 11 matches at an average of 62.00 and an explosive strike rate of 178.85. His tally included 26 fours and 24 sixes, highlighted by an unbeaten 108 off 48 balls against Gorakhpur Lions.

Such form convinced selectors to include him in India’s 15-member Asia Cup squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, for the tournament starting September 9 in the UAE. Rinku confessed his surprise at the call-up after a quieter season: “I did not think I would make it, but the selectors showed faith, and that boosted my confidence”.

He also believes his occasional off-spin may have swayed the decision: “Selectors want you to have multiple roles- if not with the bat, then with the ball.”

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