IPL 2026: Rayudu calls for ban on chit celebrations after Akash Singh's 3-wicket show
Synopsis
A handwritten chit pulled from a bowler's pocket has become IPL 2026's most divisive talking point. Akash Singh's 3-wicket show was overshadowed by a pocket-note celebration that drew fire from Ambati Rayudu, Dale Steyn, and Mitchell McClenaghan, raising a real question about where the line sits between personal expression and on-field decorum in franchise cricket.
Key Takeaways
Akash Singh took 3 for 26 for LSG against CSK on 16 May 2026 , celebrating each wicket with a handwritten chit.
The note reportedly read: #Akkionfire - Akash knows how to take wickets in a T20 game.
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu called for a ban, labelling the trend 'absolute nonsense.' Dale Steyn posted on X that the chit celebration 'ain't trending anymore - actually, it never really was.' Mitchell McClenaghan said young players should prioritise performance over dramatic gestures.
LSG chased down 188 in seven wickets, with Mitchell Marsh scoring 90 off 38 balls .
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has come out strongly against the growing chit celebration trend in IPL 2026, calling for an outright ban after Akash Singh pulled out a handwritten note to mark each of his wickets during Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)'s seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on 16 May 2026. The left-arm pacer finished with figures of 3 for 26, but it was his pocket-note routine that dominated post-match conversation.
The Celebration That Sparked the Debate
Each time Akash Singh took a wicket, he reached into his pocket and produced a small chit, holding it up to the cameras. The note reportedly read: #Akkionfire - Akash knows how to take wickets in a T20 game. The gesture went viral almost immediately, drawing both amusement and sharp rebukes from the cricketing fraternity.
The chit celebration is not an isolated instance. Earlier in IPL 2026, players including Urvil Patel and Raghu Sharma had similarly brought out messages to mark personal milestones, establishing a pattern that several senior voices now find distracting.
What Rayudu and Former Cricketers Said
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show, Rayudu was blunt. 'I think they should ban this chit business, absolute nonsense. I don't think they're supposed to bring chits anyway,' he said. He also took a pointed jab at the planning behind the act: 'I just want to know at what point today he thought, Hey, this will be awesome, I'll pull this out on TV, and everybody will think I'm cool. I also want to know which friends backed him and told him it was a great idea.'
Rayudu did acknowledge the lighter side. 'I think that's his manifestation. It may not go down well with a lot of people, but it's kind of funny and a bit of rubbish,' he added.
Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan echoed the concern, directing his criticism at the broader generational trend. 'I'm actually surprised with some of this generation coming through. You put your fingers up after your first real IPL performance when people have only just learnt your name. I find it all very fascinating,' he said.
Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn was more dismissive, posting on X: 'Time to put the papers away. It ain't trending anymore. Actually, to be honest, it never really was.'
Akash Singh Defends His Routine
The LSG pacer stood by his celebration. In a video released by IPL on X, Akash said: 'It just gives me motivation. There is no special reason behind it. Whatever motivates me during the game, I'll keep backing it.'
LSG's Dominant Win Over CSK
Akash Singh was instrumental in dismantling CSK's top order, removing Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Urvil Patel in quick succession. LSG subsequently chased down a target of 188 with comfort, powered by Mitchell Marsh's explosive 90 off 38 balls. The result strengthens LSG's position in the IPL 2026 standings and piles pressure on CSK ahead of the tournament's business end. Whether the BCCI or the IPL governing council will take any formal position on pre-planned prop celebrations remains to be seen.
Point of View
But the IPL, which profits handsomely from the same viral moments it may now be asked to regulate, faces an awkward conflict of interest if it moves to ban pre-planned celebrations. The BCCI's silence so far is telling.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chit celebration in IPL 2026?
The chit celebration involves players pulling out a small handwritten note from their pocket after taking a wicket or reaching a milestone and displaying it to the cameras. Akash Singh popularised the act during LSG's win over CSK on 16 May 2026, with his note reportedly reading #Akkionfire - Akash knows how to take wickets in a T20 game.
Why did Ambati Rayudu criticise Akash Singh's celebration?
Rayudu said he found the trend of bringing pre-written notes onto the field to be absolute nonsense and called for it to be banned. Speaking on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show, he questioned the intent behind the act and joked about the planning involved.
What did Dale Steyn say about the chit celebration?
Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn posted on X that it was time to put the papers away, adding that the trend ain't trending anymore and that it never really was.
How did Akash Singh defend his celebration?
In a video released by IPL on X, Akash said the chit simply gives him motivation during games and that there is no special reason behind it. He added that he will continue doing whatever motivates him on the field.
What was the result of the LSG vs CSK match on 16 May 2026?
Lucknow Super Giants beat Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets, chasing down a target of 188. Mitchell Marsh starred with an explosive 90 off 38 balls, while Akash Singh's 3 for 26 dismantled CSK's top order.
