Akash Singh's LSG was defeated by RR in Jaipur on May 19.
After the LSG pacer was dismantled during Rajasthan's chase of 221, Gavaskar had questioned Akash's "chit" act. Only a few days had passed after Akash made news for taking out a handwritten message during Lucknow's prior game versus Chennai Super Kings.
Following his 3/26 vs CSK, Akash's celebration went viral. After taking out Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, and Urvil Patel, the pacer took a folded note out of his pocket. "Akki on fire—Akash knows how to take wickets in a T20 game" was the message.
However, against RR, Akash finished with 1/54 in three overs as RR chased down 221 with five balls remaining.
“Where’s the chit now? It's in the pocket, right? Where is the chit? I like a bit of humility. 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,” Gavaskar stated about Akash Singh on commentary.
Gavaskar then expanded the complaint to include the more widespread practice of players bringing handwritten notes to festivities.
“How long do they carry the chit for? I mean, if you carry it every day, it is bound to happen. If you carry it on a day and say that you do something and do it, then it is worth it,” Gavaskar added.
Abhishek Sharma started the custom of IPL players bringing out notes during festivities when he dedicated his century celebration to the "Orange Army," a reference to Sunrisers Hyderabad supporters. Raghu Sharma of the Mumbai Indians and Urvil Patel of CSK followed the trend earlier this year with comparable "note celebrations."
However, social media was not kind to Sunil Gavaskar, who was criticized by fans on X for his statement on Akash Singh.
Here are the reactions: