The moment came during Lucknow Super Giants’ match against Chennai Super Kings at Ekana Stadium.Playing his first match of the season, Akash made an immediate impact by removing CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and Orvil Patel to put Chennai under pressure early in the innings.
After Gaikwad’s dismissal, the left-arm pacer celebrated by taking out a folded note from his pocket. The message on the paper reads: “#Akki is on fire – Akash knows how to take wickets in a T20 game.”The trend of celebrating notes first became popular last season when Abhishek Sharma displayed a handwritten note to fans during a Sunrisers Hyderabad match. Since then, many players have used similar celebrations.Earlier this season, Raghu Sharma used the same style of celebration, while Orville Patel dedicated a note to his father after the performance.However, Stine did not seem to like the trend. Posted on X after Akash’s celebration, the former South Africa player noted that the idea had lost its appeal.
“It’s time to put the cards away. They’re not in vogue anymore. In fact, to be honest, they never were,” Stein posted on X.
Do you think handwritten note celebrations in IPL are still relevant?
Interestingly, even LSG head coach Justin Langer said he was unaware of Akash’s plan. During the broadcast, commentators asked Langer about the celebration, and the Australian admitted that he had no prior information about it, while joking that the team management might have to look into the matter.Akash later clarified that there was no deeper reason behind the celebration.“He just gives me motivation. There is no reason behind it. Whatever motivates me during the match, I will continue to support him,” Akash was quoted as saying.