Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) pacer Akash Singh has revealed his notebook celebration during the IPL 2025 game against the Gujarat Titans on Thursday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Having replicated teammate Digvesh Rathi's celebration, the left-arm seamer said he had promised the leggie that his absence will not be felt during the match.
Akash, who had come in as an impact sub, performed the controversial notebook celebration after dismissing Jos Buttler for 33. Rathi, meanwhile, had been suspended for one game after garnering five demerit points for the celebration during that match and additionally been fined 50 per cent of his match fees.
In the video shared by LSG on social media, Akash said when asked about the celebration:
Woh dedicate mere bhai Rathi ko karna tha. Maine usko bola tha match se pehle ki tujhe ground mein miss hone nahin denge. Chinta mat kar. Tere liye parchi kaatenge." (Wanted to dedicate it to my brother, Rathi. I told him before the match that you won't be missed in the ground. Don't worry. We'll do that celebration for you.)
"There were times in the tournament where we had our chances" - Rishabh Pant
At the post-game presentation, LSG captain Rishabh Pant said he was mighty pleased with the team's effort following the 33-run victory. Although the keeper-batter said Shahrukh's 57 gave the Titans hope, he felt optimistic that the 236-run target was well above par.
"Happy. We talk about playing good cricket, we've shown on occasions we can do that. There were times in the tournament where we had our chances. but it's part and parcel of the game. It was always a question of getting the top three today, but the way Shahrukh played gives them hope. At the same time, we knew the target was above par. Bowlers held their nerves well."
