Akash Singh made an unforgettable debut in IPL 2026 for Lucknow Super Giants, but it wasn't just his wickets that turned heads—it was his cheeky celebration involving a self-written paper chit. The left-arm pacer's unique gesture after dismissing two Chennai Super Kings openers went viral in minutes, but not everyone was a fan, especially former CSK batter Ambati Rayudu, who called it "rubbish" and likened it to using cheat notes in an exam.
Playing his first match of the season at the Ekana Stadium, Akash struck twice inside the powerplay, removing CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad and opener Sanju Samson. After Gaikwad mistimed a pull shot straight to Nicholas Pooran for 13 off 9 balls, Akash reached into his pocket, unfolded a small chit, and displayed it to the crowd and cameras. The message read: "Akki on fire - Akash knows how to take wickets in T20 game." The celebration quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the match.
Akash struck again in the sixth over when Samson, after a cautious start, flicked a delivery straight to Mukul Choudhary in the deep. Once more, the pacer pulled out the same chit while celebrating with teammates. The double blow reduced CSK from 31 without loss to 36/2, handing the momentum firmly to Lucknow and showcasing Akash's confidence on the big stage.
However, the celebration didn't sit well with everyone. Former CSK star Ambati Rayudu, now a commentator, took a humorous dig during ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut show. Rather than harsh criticism, Rayudu jokingly suggested such "chits" should be banned from the field. "I just think that's his manifestation. It may not go well with a lot of people, but it's kind of funny and a bit rubbish," Rayudu said. "I think they should ban these kind of chits, absolutely."
The viral moment has sparked debate among fans and players alike, with some praising Akash's creativity and others echoing Rayudu's sentiments. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing is clear: Akash Singh knows how to make an entrance—and he's not afraid to write his own story.
