Sunil Gavaskar criticised Lucknow Super Giants pacer Aakash Singh on live television during the IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Tuesday, May 19. The former India captain questioned the young fast bowler’s celebrations after he endured a difficult outing while defending a massive total of 220.
RR vs LSG : Updates | Scorecard
Aakash Singh conceded 54 runs in just three overs despite picking up the wicket of Yashasvi Jaiswal, as Rajasthan Royals kept themselves alive in the playoff race with an aggressive chase at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
The remarks from Gavaskar came when teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was dismantling the LSG bowling attack with breathtaking strokeplay. Gavaskar appeared unimpressed with Singh’s earlier celebrations and referenced the now-viral “chit celebration” the pacer had showcased on his IPL debut against Chennai Super Kings.
“Where’s the chit now, it’s in the pocket right? Where is the chit? I like a bit of humility,” Gavaskar said on commentary during the game. “In an over, you get a wicket in maybe one ball. Five balls you are being clobbered. He has given 48 runs in 17 deliveries.”
2 big wickets for Akash Singh
And a celebration you don’t want to miss
Updates https://t.co/v1R8RJXPe8#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #LSGvCSK | @LucknowIPL pic.twitter.com/jY76LqHMnb— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 15, 2026
Aakash Singh had become an overnight talking point earlier in the season during his debut performance against Chennai Super Kings, where he returned figures of 3/26 in four overs. After every wicket, the left-arm pacer pulled out a folded chit from his pocket and displayed it around the stadium. Later, Singh clarified that the celebration was not aimed at anyone and was instead a personal source of motivation.
Against Rajasthan Royals, however, Singh opted for a different celebration after dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal. The pacer pointed a finger to his head before raising the other hand toward the sky — a gesture somewhat reminiscent of footballer Marcus Rashford’s trademark celebration.
RR TIGHTENS PLAY-OFF GRIP
50 PLUS IN AN IPL SEASON
2012 – Chris Gayle
2013 – Chris Gayle
2019 – Andre Russell
2026* – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI IS DIFFERENT LEAGUE
GOLDEN MAN OF RAJASTHAN ROYALS.
pic.twitter.com/YjF3lExXy2— MANU. (@IMManu_18) May 19, 2026
The match carried major playoff implications for Rajasthan Royals, who entered the contest needing a win after their defeat to Delhi Capitals in the previous game. Chasing 221, Rajasthan found momentum through teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who produced a sensational counterattack with a stunning 38-ball 93.
Sooryavanshi’s fearless batting kept Rajasthan firmly in the chase and put Lucknow’s bowlers under immense pressure despite the imposing target. The young batter’s innings once again underlined his growing reputation as one of the breakout stars of IPL 2026.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
Source: India Today
