Virat Kohli uses the MRF Genius Grand Edition. In our store, this corresponds to the "Grand" or "Player Special" models. These bats feature his specific profile: a mid-to-low sweet spot (for driving on the front foot), a "duckbill" toe (to reduce weight at the bottom), and a semi-oval handle. If you want the closest retail version to what he holds on TV, while it is obviously not the exact same, look for the Genius Grand Edition in our catalog with the most similar profile

Because MRF stickers are so famous, fakes are everywhere.

• The Handle: Genuine MRF handles are complex structures made of premium Sarawak cane with rubber/cork inserts. Fakes often feel "dead" or vibrate badly.
• The Hologram: All legitimate MRF bats come with a manufacturer's 3D hologram and a unique barcode/QR code on the shoulder or back.
• The Price: If you see a "Grade 1 MRF Genius" for $150, it is a fake. The raw willow alone costs more than that. We are an authorized retailer, so you never have to worry about this.

Grand / Game Changer: The top-tier professional line. Premium English Willow (Grade 1/2), minimal concaving, and designed for maximum power.

Chase Master: Often a lighter pickup profile, designed for players who need fast hands to manipulate the field (inspired by Kohli's chasing ability).

VK 18 / Run Machine: These are excellent "entry to mid-level" bats. They use slightly lower grade English Willow (Grade 3/4) but maintain the same professional shape and stickers. Perfect for casual matches or tape ball cricket.

MRF bats are famous for looking bigger than they feel. They use a design technique called a "Duckbill Toe"—the wood tapers off sharply at the bottom toe. This removes unnecessary weight from the bottom, allowing the bat maker to keep the edges massive (40mm+) without making the pickup heavy. A 2.10 lb MRF often feels like a 2.9 lb bat due to this supreme balance.

If you look at the back of an MRF bat, you will see it is almost full/flat, rather than scooped out (concaved).

• Benefit: Leaving the wood full adds mass behind the sweet spot. When you hit the ball, there is more wood absorbing and returning the energy, resulting in a bigger "ping" and power.
• Trade-off: It requires higher quality, lighter willow to do this without the bat becoming too heavy.

Yes. While many bats come with a basic factory press, they are usually not fully knocked in. To prevent damage and ensure the willow performs correctly, it is highly recommended to have the bat professionally machine knocked before using it in a match.