Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Ishan Kishan has become the talking point of IPL 2026 after his viral “whistle podu” celebration during SRH’s match against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Monday. Kishan’s innings of 70 off 47 balls played a key role as Hyderabad successfully chased a target of 181 with one over remaining and five wickets in hand, booking a Playoff spot in the process. Yet, what followed the win—whistles being blown and expressive gestures directed toward the stands—sparked a wave of criticism from a section of spectators, who felt the wicketkeeper-batter was taking aim at the home support in Chennai.
Ravichandran Ashwin backs Kishan
With the backlash gathering momentum online, former CSK all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin stepped in to defend Kishan, urging fans to look at such moments through the lens of competitive spirit rather than personal offence. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said he wanted to focus on the “player of the day” but noted that social media had taken the celebration as the main story.
“I want to talk about the super reliable player of the day, Ishan Kishan. But I won’t go too deep into it. A lot is being discussed on social media about the celebration he did after the match. Let it go, yaar. These are all sportsmen, emotions are part of the game. Don’t take it personally, enjoy it,” Ashwin said.
He also argued that players should not be judged through the prism of ego, especially when celebrations are part of the entertainment offered by the sport. “Every player here represents India in cricket. A player has come and celebrated in front of you—why bring ego into it? Leave it, enjoy it. If all this is not there, then where is the fun? Where is the drama?” Ashwin added.
Support for talent beyond boundaries
The former India and CSK star further emphasised that he has historically backed both Vaibhav and Ishan, framing his stance as support for talent rather than anything based on regional loyalties. He also pointed to the broader idea that cricket should be a space where skill and emotion are allowed to show on the big stage.
Ashwin suggested that if Chennai players and supporters want to respond next season, the best way would be through results—by defeating SRH in Hyderabad and celebrating in a similar manner. He acknowledged that Kishan could consider keeping the celebration more controlled, particularly with what was directed toward the crowd.
“Maybe next time, Ishan can keep the celebration a little more controlled, especially with what he said towards the crowd. I mean, can it be avoided? It can be. But I enjoyed it,” Ashwin said.
“Beat them in Hyderabad, then give it back”
In his closing argument, Ashwin highlighted the context of SRH’s achievement—winning at an opponent’s home ground after a heavy defeat in their previous game. “It’s not easy for another team to come to someone else’s home ground and beat a team like [CSK]. But they did it, right? After such a big loss in the previous game, they came back and won this. Let it go. A sportsman is telling you, ‘I have come to your home ground and beaten you.’ That’s all. Keep it in mind as fans and as a team—next time go to Hyderabad and beat them there, then give it back,” Ashwin said.
He finished by stressing that any similar response should be carried out with respect. “But do it in a very respectful manner,” he added.
