‘It motivates me’: Akash Singh reveals story behind viral note celebration - Watch
Akash Singh's electrifying IPL 2026 debut saw him claim three crucial wickets for Lucknow Super Giants against Chennai Super Kings. His unique wicket celebration, involving a motivational note, highlighted his determined mindset. Singh emphasised the importance of mental dominance and aggressive play, stating his goal is to 'dominate' in the IPL, a reward for his season-long persistence and hard work.
NEW DELHI: Akash Singh lit up IPL 2026 on Friday with both ball and emotion, producing a memorable three-wicket spell - 3/26 in 4 overs - for Lucknow Super Giants against Chennai Super Kings before explaining the note that turned his celebration viral. Playing his first game of the season, the left-arm pacer struck three times, dismissing Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and Urvil Patel. After every wicket, he pulled out a folded chit from his pocket and flashed it around the stadium, sparking curiosity.
WATCH: — IPL (@IPL) ‘It motivates me during the game’ Akash later revealed there was no hidden message — it was simply self-motivation. “I know I express myself well and people tell me that too. But honestly, it’s about the environment you create around yourself.
I spend time understanding how champions think and how champions work hard,” Akash told broadcasters during the mid-innings interview. He added that the note contained words meant to fuel his own confidence. “On that note I had written things like ‘Akki knows how to take wickets in T20 cricket’.
It just motivates me during the game. Sometimes these things work, sometimes they don’t, but if something helps me stay motivated and helps me perform better, then I’m willing to do it,” Akash said. The celebration reflected the emotion of a player finally getting his chance after waiting all season.