Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured a massive five wicket win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash which led them secure a playoff berth, on Monday, May 18 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. While chasing a modest total of 181, SRH's Ishan Kishan dropped a masterclass knock of 70 runs off 47 balls, consisting of seven boundaries and three sixes.
Ravichandran Ashwin defends Ishan Kishan's proactive celebration
The left-handed batter was given the Player of the Match award for his calm and composed knock at a surface where spinners were getting grip and help. However, the star India batter faced heat for his proactive celebrations. After the game, Kishan mimicked CSK's iconic 'Whistle Podu' celebration and gestured to the Chepauk crowd to leave.
However, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in support of Kishan, saying it's not a big issue if an Indian player celebrates in front of the home crowd and that no one should bring ego into it.
"Every player here represents India in cricket. A player has come and celebrated in front of you – why bring ego into it? Leave it, enjoy it," Ashwin argued. "If all this is not there, then where is the fun? Where is the drama?" said Ashwin on his YouTube Channel.
While Ashwin defended Ishan's emotional celebration, he advised the young wicketkeeper batter to keep it in a controlled manner. Ashwin understands Ishan's emotions, as he just conquered one of the toughest venues in the history of the IPL.
"Maybe next time, Ishan can keep the celebration a little more controlled, especially with what he said towards the crowd. I mean, can it be avoided? It can be. But I enjoyed it," said Ashwin.
"It's not easy for another team to come to someone else's home ground and beat a team like [CSK].* But they did it, right? After such a big loss in the previous game, they came back and won this. Let it go. A sportsman is telling you, 'I have come to your home ground and beaten you.' That's all."
"Keep it in mind as fans and as a team – next time go to Hyderabad and beat them there, then give it back," Ashwin said. "But do it in a very respectful manner," Ashwin concluded.
Next target for Sunrisers Hyderabad
After the win over CSK, SRH will aim to secure a top-two finish in the table. The Pat Cummins-led side will lock horns against the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their upcoming clash on May 22 in Hyderabad.