‘Akki on Fire’: How Akash Singh’s Pocket Note Became LSG’s Surprise Motivation Story Against CSK

Lucknow, May 16: Lucknow Super Giants pacer Akash Singh produced the best IPL spell of his career against Chennai Super Kings on Friday (May 15), but it was not just his bowling figures that grabbed attention.

Every time the left-arm pacer took a wicket during LSG's seven-wicket win, he pulled out a folded piece of paper from his pocket and flashed it in celebration. The message on the note quickly became one of the talking points of the match.

Akash Singh finished with figures of 3 for 26, his best performance in the IPL so far, as he dismantled parts of the CSK batting order. But behind the unusual celebration was a deeply personal method of self-motivation and manifestation.

What Was Written on Akash Singh's Note?

The note carried a simple but confident line: "Akki on fire - Akash knows how to take wickets in T20 cricket."

Explaining the gesture after the match, Akash said the message was meant to reinforce belief in his own abilities and help him stay focused on dominating batters.

"Different things motivate different people. Some days I show the paper, some days I don't, but it reflects my mindset on that particular day," Akash said.

"When you carry a piece of paper with something written on it, you manifest things and the most important part is when those manifestations actually materialise."

The 24-year-old clarified that the note was not connected to selection plans or any external motivation. Instead, it came from a personal habit of writing down thoughts related to cricket whenever inspiration strikes.

Akash revealed the idea came to him late at night, after which he immediately wrote it down.

"Whenever I'm alone or about to sleep, any thought that comes to my mind which can help my cricket, I write it down. The other night I got this thought and jotted it down on paper."

Backing From LSG Coaches Helped Akash Singh Stay Ready

The Rajasthan-born pacer credited the support system inside the Lucknow Super Giants camp for helping him remain prepared despite not always being part of the playing XI.

Akash specifically acknowledged the role played by coaches like Bharat Arun, Zaheer Khan and Tom Moody.

"I've been with LSG for two years and the most important thing has been the backing from the coaches, even when I'm not in the playing XI."

"The way they guide us, prepare us and keep us ready for opportunities is very important when there are 25 players in the squad."

Akash added that such support becomes crucial for players waiting on the sidelines for opportunities.

Rishabh Pant's Advice Before the CSK Clash

Akash also credited LSG captain Rishabh Pant for boosting his confidence before the game against CSK.

According to the pacer, Pant reminded him to trust his strengths with the new ball rather than overthink the occasion.

"He told me that the new ball is my strength and that I can swing it both ways. So I just tried to make the best use of my skills."

Akash said the surface offered good bounce, which encouraged him to use the bouncer more aggressively during his spell.

"The wicket also had good bounce, so I focused on using the bouncer effectively."

IPL Experience Helped Akash Read CSK Batters Better

Having been part of multiple IPL franchises since 2020, Akash believes his exposure across dressing rooms has helped him understand opposition batters better.

The left-arm seamer began his IPL journey with Rajasthan Royals before joining CSK during their title-winning 2023 campaign. He later moved to LSG, where he has gradually developed into a reliable squad option.

That familiarity with CSK players proved useful during Friday's encounter. "Obviously, when you play in the IPL and have shared the dressing room with some players, you understand their strengths and weaknesses."

"My focus was first to back my own strengths, then exploit their weaknesses and also make the best use of what the wicket was offering."

Akash revealed that signs of an opportunity had started emerging over the last few games before a direct reminder arrived during practice two days before the match.

"Two days before the match, during practice, I was told to be ready."

He certainly was.

With his fiery spell, unique celebration, and visible self-belief, Akash Singh turned an ordinary IPL outing into a memorable breakthrough moment - one written first on a small piece of paper and then across the scoreboard.