C Joseph Vijay is back in the spotlight once again, this time for a gesture that has merged politics, celebrity culture and cricket fandom. After recently taking charge as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay received a cricket bat signed by India superstar Virat Kohli, prompting a wave of attention across social media.
Images from the Tamil Nadu Secretariat showed Vijay holding the signed bat with pride, and the pictures spread rapidly online. In the photos, he was dressed in a smart black suit paired with a white shirt left open at the collar, while a traditional veshti with gold zari detailing was draped over one shoulder. Many supporters shared the moment widely, calling it a stylish and symbolic link to Kohli.
The bat was handed over during a meeting with officials from MRF. The delegation included senior leadership from the company, with Chairman KM Mammen, Vice Chairman Arun Mammen, and Managing Director Rahul Mammen among those present. Reports from the interaction suggested the discussion centered on MRF’s business activities and its operations across Tamil Nadu.
The latest cricket-related gift comes only days after filmmaker Venkat Prabhu presented Vijay with a framed number plate reading “TN 07 CM 2026” from the film GOAT. Fans were quick to interpret the prop as a hint or prediction of Vijay’s rise to power, adding to the excitement around the new chapter in his political journey.
Vijay formally took the oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on May 10, 2026. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, had finished the Assembly elections as the single-largest political force, securing 108 seats—an outcome that set the stage for his leadership.
While his political responsibilities ramp up, Vijay is also preparing for the release of his film Jana Nayagan. The movie has reportedly faced delays, and it is still awaiting clearance from the censor board after reports emerged about footage being leaked online.
