IPL 2026: Rashid Khan Warns CSK Players Over Note-Showing Trend

A New Trend Takes Over the IPL 2026 Season

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been defined by more than just high-octane cricket; it has seen an emerging trend of players displaying handwritten notes and chits after achieving personal milestones. Whether it is a dedication to a family member or a display of personal faith, the sight of cricketers pulling messages from their pockets has become a recurring theme this year. However, as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) prepare for their high-stakes encounter against the Gujarat Titans (GT), the lighthearted ritual has come under the scanner—at least in a joking manner.

The Origins of the Note Phenomenon

The trend gained significant momentum early in the season when Abhishek Sharma pulled out a chit to share a message after scoring a century. This simple yet impactful gesture sparked a wave of similar displays across the league. Players such as Raghu Sharma, Urvil Patel, and Akash Singh have all participated in this practice.

Raghu Sharma, during his stint with the Mumbai Indians, captured headlines when he displayed a note reading ‘Jai Shri Ram’ after securing his maiden IPL wicket against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 4. Following suit, Chennai Super Kings sensation Urvil Patel used a note to pay tribute to his father after an incredible 13-ball fifty. Most recently, LSG pacer Akash Singh utilized the trend to convey a motivational message following his three-wicket haul against CSK on May 15.

The Banter Heats Up: Rashid Khan Weighs In

With the final league stage match between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings scheduled for May 21, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the atmosphere is already building. Amidst the intense preparation, a viral moment of camaraderie and banter took place between the two camps.

Rashid Khan, the talismanic Afghan spinner for the Gujarat Titans, couldn’t resist poking fun at the recent trend. During a pre-match interaction, Rashid jokingly warned the CSK players that he would be personally conducting a ‘pocket check’ for notes when they walk out to bat. With a laugh, he specifically targeted Urvil Patel and Dewald Brevis, remarking that the CSK unit has become notorious for these mid-match reveals.

Context of the Match: Survival vs. Top-Two Aspirations

While the banter remains friendly, the stakes for the upcoming clash could not be higher. The Gujarat Titans have already secured their path to the playoffs and currently sit comfortably in second place with 16 points from 13 games. Their goal for the final league match is clear: secure a win to reach 18 points and solidify their position for a spot in Qualifier 1.

Conversely, Chennai Super Kings find themselves in a precarious situation. Sitting at the 7th position in the points table with 12 points from 12 games, their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. To keep their campaign alive, CSK must win their final game to reach 14 points and then rely on favorable results in the matches involving the Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals.

A Lighter Side to Competitive Cricket

Earlier in the week, Deepak Chahar also playfully mocked the trend during the Mumbai Indians versus Kolkata Knight Riders match on May 20. After dismissing KKR opener Finn Allen, Chahar pretended to pull a note from his pocket, mirroring the trend and drawing smiles from both teammates and spectators.

As the teams prepare for the business end of the tournament, such moments of levity provide a welcome relief from the immense pressure of professional cricket. Whether the players decide to leave their notes in the dressing room or continue the tradition, the anticipation for the GT versus CSK encounter remains at an all-time high. Fans will be watching intently on May 21 to see if any more secret messages make it to the big screen, and more importantly, who secures the crucial victory to define their path in the 2026 IPL playoffs.