Criticised, mocked, viral: Akash Singh’s long wait behind IPL 2026’s 'chit' celebration
Akash Maharaj Singh’s viral ‘chit’ celebration became one of IPL 2026’s most debated moments, drawing criticism, trolling and even mockery from fellow cricketers. But behind the celebration was years of frustration, waiting and perseverance across four IPL franchises. From taking 10 wickets in an innings as a teenager to finally earning his chance at LSG, this is the emotional story behind Akash’s moment in the spotlight.
NEW DELHI: The now-famous ‘chit’ celebration has evolved into one of IPL 2026’s most fascinating off-field talking points, right alongside Punjab Kings’ and some of its players' social media antics. From Abhishek Sharma’s heartfelt note for the ‘Orange Army’ last season to Deepak Chahar mockingly mimicking the trend with an imaginary chit celebration this past week, the act has travelled through every stage possible: viral, amusing, overdone, criticised and parodied. Ambati Rayudu called it ‘rubbish and nonsense’, Mitchell McClenaghan said he was ‘flabbergasted’, while Dale Steyn declared it was ‘never really trending’.
But in many ways, these moments of theatre are exactly what give the IPL its flavour. Because beneath the memes, trolling and criticism, every chit carried a personal story - Abhishek’s gratitude towards fans, Urvil Patel’s tribute to his father, Raghu Sharma’s reflection on a 15-year struggle. For Akash Maharaj Singh, meanwhile, it was about finally letting go of years of frustration and embracing his moment in the spotlight.
It was the frustration and emotion of sitting in the dugout waiting for an opportunity despite being associated with four franchises - Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants. The emotions were evident when Akash, playing his first match for LSG this season, dismissed CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and celebrated by pulling out a chit. The note read: "Akki on fire - Akash knows how to take wickets in T20 game.
" Akash went on to dismiss Sanju Samson and Urvil to finish with figures of 3/26 in four overs in LSG's win over CSK. However, in the next game, he was tonked for 54 runs vs RR. He did claim a wicket - but there was no chit out of the pocket this time around.
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