Sunil Gavaskar Mocks Akash Singh’s Viral Celebration After RR vs LSG Clash

A Night of Contrasting Fortunes in Jaipur

The IPL 2026 season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, and the recent encounter between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur proved to be a defining moment. While the match kept the Royals’ playoff hopes alive with a sensational chase, it turned into a nightmare for LSG pacer Akash Singh, who found himself on the receiving end of a sharp critique from none other than the legendary Sunil Gavaskar.

The Rise and Fall of Akash Singh

To understand the intensity of the scrutiny, one must look back at the pacer’s recent trajectory. Just a match prior, against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Akash Singh was the toast of the town. He delivered a stellar performance, claiming three wickets for just 26 runs in his four-over spell. It was during that high-stakes victory that he debuted his now-viral ‘chit’ celebration, pulling out a metaphorical note from his pocket after taking wickets—a gesture that resonated with fans and went viral across social media platforms.

However, cricket is a fickle master. The very next outing for the youngster proved how quickly the tide can turn. Against the Rajasthan Royals, the left-arm pacer was taken to the cleaners, leaking 54 runs in a mere three overs. Despite picking up the prized scalp of Yashasvi Jaiswal, the LSG bowler was dismantled by the Rajasthan batting lineup, most notably by teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Sunil Gavaskar’s Sharp Critique

During the live broadcast, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar did not mince his words. Observing the pacer struggle against the onslaught of runs, Gavaskar questioned the necessity of the flashy celebrations seen in previous games. The cricket icon emphasized the need for young players to remain grounded, noting that the unpredictable nature of the T20 format often requires a more humble approach to professional success.

“I am asking, ‘Where’s the chit now?’ Chit is in the pocket, right?” Gavaskar remarked during his commentary stint. “You got six deliveries in an over—you get a wicket in maybe one ball. With five balls, you are being clobbered. He has given 48 runs in 17 deliveries.” The comment highlighted the stark reality of the sport: success is fleeting, and maintaining composure is just as important as skill.

A Shift in Gesture

Interestingly, even after being hammered, Akash Singh attempted a different style of celebration upon dismissing Jaiswal. This time, he opted to mirror the famous pose of football superstar Marcus Rashford, pointing to his head and gesturing toward the sky. Despite the attempt to shift the narrative, the underlying frustration of his expensive figures remained the primary focus for spectators and pundits alike.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Steals the Show

While the focus was on the bowling struggles of LSG, the spotlight of the match undoubtedly belonged to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Chasing a massive target of 221, the young batting prodigy played an innings for the ages. He smashed a blistering 93 runs off just 38 deliveries, showcasing a level of fearlessness that has become synonymous with the future stars of the IPL. His knock was the catalyst for the Royals’ victory, sealing the chase in just 19.1 overs with seven wickets in hand.

Looking Ahead

With this win, the Rajasthan Royals continue their push for the playoffs, while the Lucknow Super Giants find themselves out of contention for the knockout stages. Despite being officially eliminated, LSG still holds the potential to act as ‘party spoilers’ in the final stages of the tournament. Their upcoming match against the Punjab Kings on May 23 remains a critical fixture, as a victory for LSG could effectively derail the playoff aspirations of their opponents. As the IPL 2026 season draws to a close, the lessons learned by players like Akash Singh—regarding performance, humility, and the harsh glare of public critique—serve as a reminder of the immense pressure that comes with playing at the highest level of cricket.