Overview

• Rinku described becoming “infamous” after repeated broadcasts of him requesting Virat Kohli’s bat during IPL 2024 turned into a social trend.
• He recounted breaking the first bat Kohli gave him and later requesting a replacement, which added fuel to the viral narrative.
• To avoid further scrutiny, he kept his distance from Kohli during IPL 2025, with Uttar Pradesh batter Swastik Chikara more visibly around the RCB star.
• He noted receiving prized bats from MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, calling it a significant moment given their stature.
• His on-field progress continued with a recent UP T20 League century and a place in India’s 15-man Asia Cup 2025 squad, with the campaign set to start against the UAE on September 10 in the UAE.