Chits, Cheers and Cricket

The IPL season has sparked a quirky new trend with players pulling handwritten notes from their pockets to celebrate big moments. In his very first match of the season, Akash Singh dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad and instantly revealed a small chit from his pocket.

The note read, “Akki on fire. Akash knows how to take wickets in T20 game.”

Akash backed up the celebration with a three-wicket haul in his four-over spell. After the match, he said the unusual gesture was his way of motivating himself.

“This gives me motivation — nothing else. And whatever can motivate me to perform better, I will try to do it,” he told the broadcaster. His childhood mentor, Vikas Yadav, was hardly surprised. “He’s like that. Works hard, stays disciplined and has fun,” he said.

Akash’s father, a farmer from his village, has also remained a strong source of inspiration throughout his cricket journey.

Earlier this season, Urvil Patel of Chennai Super Kings created another memorable pocket-note moment after smashing a record-equalling 13-ball fifty against Lucknow Super Giants.

Pulling out a chit from his pocket, he revealed the message, “This is for you Papa.” The emotional tribute to his father instantly resonated with fans and became one of IPL 2026’s defining visuals.

Meanwhile, Mohsin Khan grabbed attention with his maiden five-wicket haul against Kolkata Knight Riders, celebrating with pure emotion and animated gestures. The contrast showed how IPL celebrations now range from handwritten notes to raw passion.

‘BCCI should ban chits’

Ambati Rayudu called the trend “rubbish” and said the BCCI should ban such pocket chits, describing them as “absolute nonsense.” “I think that’s his manifestation. It may not go down well with a lot of people but it’s kind of funny and a bit of rubbish,” Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo. “I think they should ban these chits. Absolute nonsense. I don’t think you are supposed to bring chits.”

Abhishek started it

The trend first gained attention in IPL 2025 when Abhishek Sharma celebrated his century for Sunrisers Hyderabad with a handwritten note for the “Orange Army.” Abhishek later revealed that the idea came from Shikhar Dhawan, who encouraged him to practise manifestation and journaling before matches.