Ambati Rayudu didn’t hold back after Lucknow Super Giants pacer Akash Singh pulled off a “chit” celebration during IPL 2026’s clash against Chennai Super Kings at the Ekana on Friday. Rayudu, along with other former campaigners, branded the gesture “rubbish” and pushed for the BCCI to outlaw the act, following Akash’s wicket haul in his debut outing of the season.
Akash, a left-arm fast bowler, made his first appearance of the IPL 2026 campaign and struck early for LSG. He finished with three wickets, dismissing Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Urvil Patel. After taking those wickets, he lifted a small note in front of the crowd as a celebration—an act that quickly became a talking point.
At first, spectators struggled to read what was written on the paper. But later replays clarified the message: “#Akkionfire – Akash knows how to take wickets in a T20 game.” That line, meant as a statement of intent, did not sit well with a section of former players.
Dale Steyn was among the first to react, questioning the need for such theatrics and arguing that fans do not want to see the “chit” routine. Rayudu then echoed the same tone, saying the celebration was unnecessary and urging the cricket board to step in.
Rayudu, Steyn and McClenaghan question the celebration
- Rayudu said he couldn’t understand what led Akash to believe the gesture would play well on television and with the wider audience.
- He questioned who had encouraged the idea and suggested it may not be received positively by many people.
- Rayudu called for the BCCI to ban the chit celebration, adding that such displays aren’t something that should be brought into the game.
- Mitchell McClenaghan also voiced disbelief, pointing out that Akash was still early in his IPL career and that the match against CSK was his first outing of the season.
- McClenaghan suggested the celebration seemed to come from a generation that enjoys attention even after a first major performance, while saying he found the whole reaction intriguing.
Rayudu’s criticism came with a blunt assessment of the act. He described the celebration as “manifestation,” adding that while it might be humorous to some, it was still “a bit of rubbish.” He then reiterated his belief that the chit business should not be allowed, calling it “absolute nonsense” and stressing that players should not be bringing such notes into matches.
McClenaghan, meanwhile, said he was “flabbergasted” that a player could choose to do something like that on a first real showing in the tournament. He noted that Akash had played only a handful of games and framed the moment as a surprise given the player was still new to the spotlight, while also remarking on how quickly criticism and debate appear around young performers.
Akash Singh, for his part, had earlier explained the reasoning behind the note. He said it was simply there to provide motivation and that there was no deeper meaning beyond what spurred him during the match.
LSG vs CSK: LSG win by seven wickets
On the field, LSG got the better of CSK in a match that ended with a seven-wicket victory. Mitchell Marsh provided the turning point with a rapid innings of 90, helping LSG chase down the target and seal the result comfortably as Akash’s early strikes shaped the contest.
