Young Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fast bowler Akash Singh has created a stir in the ongoing IPL 2026. The young fast bowler caught everyone’s attention by holding out handwritten paper notes during his wicket celebration against Chennai Super Kings.Chennai Super Kings) in Lucknow.
His act has now sparked a huge debate among former cricketers around the world. While some found the celebration funny and different, many former cricketers including Dale Steyn, Ambati Rayudu, Mitchell McClenaghan and even LSG head coach Justin Langer were not impressed at all.
Akash Singh’s viral celebration during LSG vs CSK match takes IPL 2026 by storm
He openly condemned this trend and demanded strict action against such celebrations in the IPL. On Friday (Matthew 15), Akash Singh Played his first match of the ongoing IPL 2026 season and immediately made an impact for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The left-arm fast bowler devastated CSK’s batting by dismissing big names like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and Urvil Patel.
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He performed brilliantly by taking 3 wickets for 26 runs in his four over spell. His brilliant performance helped LSG defeat CSK by 7 wickets in the IPL 2026 match in Lucknow on Friday. But more than the wickets, it was Sky’s unusual celebration that made headlines.
After dismissing Ruturaj, the fast bowler took out a folded paper from his pocket and showed a message written on it. The note read, “#Aktionfire-Aakash knows how to take wickets in a T20 game.” Clips of their celebration went viral on social media platforms within no time.
Dale Steyn, Ambati Rayudu and Mitchell McClenaghan criticize paper-note celebration trend in IPL
This trend of paper-note celebration actually started in the last season of IPL when Abhishek Sharma had a special message for Sunrisers Hyderabad fans. This year, Raghu Sharma and Urvil Patel also came up with similar notes during matches, making it a trend among young players.
However, former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn did not like it at all. He reacted strongly on social media and made it clear that such celebrations were never really popular and should now be stopped completely.
Interestingly, during the live telecast, Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer also looked surprised by Akash’s action. When commentators asked him about the celebration, Langer admitted that he had no idea about the plan and indicated that he might need to talk to Sky about it.
After the match, Akash revealed that the note was his only personal motivation during the match, adding that the messages help him maintain confidence and stay upbeat while bowling under pressure.
Mitchell McClenaghan angry over Akash Singh’s viral celebration, says ‘never do this again’
Meanwhile, former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan and former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu have openly criticized this celebration. McClenaghan questioned why a young player would think it was okay to do such a thing on television at the start of his IPL career.
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Mitchell McClenaghan told ESPN Cricinfo’s Time Out show, “I just want to know at what point today he thought, Hey, this would be awesome. Like, I’ll show this on TV. Everyone will think I’m cool. Also want to know which of his friends supported him and said it would be a good idea. I’m really amazed by some of the people of this generation who are coming forward.
Like, you know, crossing your fingers on your first real performance in the IPL when you’ve just come on stage; We have only learned your name. Things like that, it’s like, “Hey, how many haters do you have, brother?” You have played four games. I find all this very fascinating. It’s really interesting.”
The former New Zealand fast bowler also mocked the idea and said that such celebrations should never happen again. McClenaghan added, “Just don’t do it again. Hashtag, don’t do it again.” This is ridiculous.”
Ambati Rayudu demands ban on paper-note festival in IPL
Rayudu also criticized this practice and said that players should not bring paper chits on the field. The former CSK batsman demanded a complete ban on such celebrations in the IPL.
Ambati Rayudu said during the same discussion, “I think it’s his expression. It might not please a lot of people, but it’s kind of funny and a little bit nonsense. I think they should ban these chits. Yes, absolutely nonsense, I mean. I don’t think they should bring chits.”
