The handwritten note celebration trend that has repeatedly surfaced in the Indian Premier League over the last two seasons may finally be losing its appeal, at least according to former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn. The Proteas legend reacted after Akash Singh produced another paper-note celebration during Lucknow Super Giants’ IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings at the Ekana Stadium.
Playing his first match of the season, Akash made an immediate impact with the ball. The left-arm pacer ripped through CSK’s top order and dismissed key batters, including skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and Urvil Patel, during an impressive opening spell.
After removing Gaikwad, Akash celebrated by pulling out a folded note from his pocket, continuing a trend that has become increasingly common in the IPL. The celebration style first grabbed widespread attention when Abhishek Sharma displayed a message for fans during an IPL game last season. Since then, several players have followed the trend, including Raghu Sharma and Urvil Patel earlier in IPL 2026.
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However, Dale Steyn appeared far from impressed with the growing craze around the gesture. Taking to X, the legendary pacer bluntly stated that the celebration had already lost its novelty.
“Time to put the papers away. It ain’t trending no more. Actually, to be honest, never really was,” Steyn posted.
Time to put the papers away.
It ain’t trending no more.Actually, to be honest, never really was.
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) May 15, 2026
Interestingly, even LSG head coach Justin Langer seemed unaware of Akash’s celebration plans. During the live broadcast, commentators asked Langer about the folded note, and the Australian admitted he had no clue about it beforehand. He jokingly suggested the management might need to look into the matter.
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Akash later clarified that the celebration did not carry any emotional or controversial message. According to the pacer, it was simply something that motivated him during games. “It just gives me motivation. There is no reason behind it. Whatever motivates me during the game, I’ll keep backing it,” Akash said after the match.
Despite the debate surrounding the celebration, Akash’s fiery spell turned out to be one of the biggest positives for LSG in the high-pressure IPL 2026 encounter.
