Akash Singh’s Chit Celebration Sparks Controversy: Rayudu and Steyn React
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A Memorable Performance Marred by Controversy
In a high-stakes clash between the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Ekana Stadium, 24-year-old left-arm seamer Akash Singh commanded the spotlight. Delivering a stellar spell, Singh claimed three crucial wickets for just 26 runs in his four-over quota. His victims included Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Urvil Patel. However, it was not just his bowling that caught the attention of the cricketing world; it was the unconventional ‘chit’ celebration he displayed after each dismissal.
The ‘Chit’ Trend: A Divisive Move
The celebration involved Akash Singh pulling out a piece of paper—a ‘chit’—to celebrate his success. The note read, ‘Akki on fire- Akash knows how to take wickets in a T20 game.’ While the youngster felt it was a personal motivational tool, it did not sit well with several veterans of the game. This trend has been seen previously this season with players like Raghu Sharma and Urvil Patel, signaling a shift in how players express themselves on the field.
Expert Reactions: Steyn and Rayudu Weigh In
The reaction from cricket legends was swift and largely unimpressed. Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu, speaking on ESPN Cricinfo’s Time-out, dismissed the act, stating, ‘That’s his manifestation. Won’t go down well with a lot, but it is funny and rubbish.’ The criticism was echoed by South African pace icon Dale Steyn. Taking to social media, Steyn did not mince his words, tweeting, ‘Time to put the papers away. It ain’t trending anymore. Actually, to be honest, it never really was.’
Akash Singh’s Perspective
Despite the backlash, the young pacer stood by his decision. Making his first appearance of the season, Singh explained that the motivation came from the need to perform under pressure. During the mid-innings break, he remarked, ‘I was happy and also when you don’t get much games it is important to push yourself. I kept my focus and went about with my practice and did what was in my control and it worked.’
He further elaborated on the intention behind the notes: ‘There is a story behind it. It is just to motivate myself during the matches. Things can work in your favour or go against you during matches. If this helps me stay focused and motivated then I will keep doing it, because performance matters at the end of the day.’
Tracing Akash Singh’s Cricket Journey
Akash Singh’s path to the IPL has been one of perseverance. The Rajasthan-based seamer was a notable member of the 2020 Under-19 World Cup squad, a team that featured future stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravi Bishnoi, and Tilak Varma. His journey in the league began in 2021 with the Rajasthan Royals, where he struggled to make an immediate impact.
After moving to the Chennai Super Kings for the 2022 season, he showed promise by picking up five wickets in six games. Since his transition to the Lucknow Super Giants in 2025, Singh has continued to evolve. With seven wickets in four matches, his recent 3/26 performance marks a career-best in the IPL, proving that while his celebration style remains a topic of debate, his efficacy as a wicket-taker is on an upward trajectory.
Is the Celebration Here to Stay?
The cricket world is often divided between traditional values and the modern, expressive flair of younger players. While legends like Steyn view these antics as unnecessary, players like Singh maintain that in the high-pressure environment of T20 cricket, any psychological tool that aids performance is fair game. Whether or not the ‘chit’ trend continues remains to be seen, but it is clear that Akash Singh is determined to let his performance do the talking, even if the paper notes stay in his pocket for future games.
