Xtra Time Web Desk: In the aftermath of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s thriller encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on 21st April, Virat Kohli found himself embroiled in a post-match dispute with the umpire over his controversial dismissal in the third over of RCB’s chase. Kohli’s animated discussion, accompanied by gesturing, highlighted his refusal to let go of the controversial no-ball call. Adding intrigue to the scene was Rinku Singh, standing beside Kohli but refraining from participating in the conversation with the umpire. As they made their way to the pavilion, Rinku’s presence raised eyebrows, with some speculating on social media about his lingering request for a second bat from Kohli.
Few on social media reckoned that the KKR star remains in the hunt to get a second bat from Kohli despite the latter having scoffed his request before the KKR-RCB game in Kolkata. Here are some of the reactions…
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The backstory unfolded with KKR’s social media post on Sunday, featuring Rinku informing Kohli that the bat he had gifted him during their previous encounter at the Chinnaswamy Stadium had broken while facing a spinner. Kohli, somewhat sarcastically, inquired about the details before begrudgingly acknowledging Rinku’s message. Rinku’s sole desire was to secure another bat from Kohli, yet the latter’s apparent displeasure thwarted his request. Despite Rinku’s persistence, Kohli rebuffed the idea of parting with a second bat, citing the repercussions of such generosity.
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“Ek match pehle le gaya tu bat. 2 match me tujhe 2 bat du? Teri wajah se na, jo meri baad me haalat hoti hai na,” Kohli’s response to Rinku echoed a sentiment of reluctance to indulge further requests for bats. In a final plea, Rinku appealed to Kohli’s goodwill, swearing not to break another bat and even offering to show him the broken one. However, Kohli remained steadfast in his decision, signalling an end to the bat exchange saga between the two players.