Ishan Kishan Insults CSK by Blowing Whistles, Tells Chennai Fans to Leave the Stadium After Monumental Win in Chepauk 

Ishan Kishan dedicated his match-winning 70 against CSK to his cousin’s family, who watched from the stands following their sister's tragic passing.

Ishan Kishan Insults CSK by Blowing Whistles, Tells Chennai Fans to Leave the Stadium After Monumental Win in Chepauk 

Ishan Kishan mocked CSK fans by making 'whistle' gestures following SRH's win. (via India Today)

In Short
  • Ishan Kishan faced backlash for mocking CSK fans after SRH's win at Chepauk.
  • He imitated the 'whistle-podu' cheer and told fans to leave the stadium.
  • R Ashwin defended Kishan's celebration but suggested he should show more restraint.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Ishan Kishan drew criticism for his post-match antics after his team’s five-wicket win against Chennai Super Kings. Kishan appeared to taunt CSK fans at the Chepauk by imitating their famous ‘whistle-podu’ cheer and giving them a send-off.

At the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, SRH defeated CSK to secure its place in the IPL 2026 play-offs. Opting to bat first, the home side could only post 180/7, guided by brisk knocks from Dewald Brevis (44 off 27), Kartik Sharma (32 off 19), and Sanju Samson (27 off 13). For SRH, Pat Cummins returned with impressive figures of 3/28 in his four-over spell. The 181-run target seemed tough for the visitors. 

In fact, SRH got off to a poor start, losing Travis Head in the 3rd over of the chase. His opening partner, Abhishek Sharma, could only score 26 runs off 21 balls before he was dismissed by Akeal Hosein in the 8th over.

However, Ishan Kishan held on, and a much-needed 75-run stand with Heinrich Klaasen, who scored 47 off 26, helped him take SRH close to the finish line. Kishan scored 70 runs off 47 balls, with the help of 7 fours and 3 sixes.

The young wicket-keeper batter was unhindered by the constant jeering that he had to face from the Chepauk crowd, as he held his nerve and did not throw away his wicket. Immediately after winning the game, the 27-year-old, in a moment that later turned controversial, decided to give it back to the home fans. He walked up to one of the more populated sections of the stands and mocked the Yellow Army.

Kishan put his fingers to his mouth to depict a whistle, mimicking CSK’s ‘Whistle-Podu’ cheer. The yellow whistles that the fans carry to the Chepauk are a part of the franchise’s identity, which turned Kishan’s gesture into an insult.

The Team India batter did not stop there, as he followed it up by showing that his side had indeed defeated the Super Kings at their home ground. He concluded his taunt by repeatedly waving his arms and clapping off, instructing the Chennai fans to pack up and leave.

If the on-field gestures were not enough, the left-hander took the banter a step ahead by sharing a social media post, with a caption that his ‘bat’ was louder than the ‘whistles’. Moreover, the defeat was a major blow to CSK, ending their last chance to qualify for the playoffs.

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R Ashwin addresses Ishan Kishan’s celebration, urges ‘angry’ CSK fans to move on

Former CSK spinner and IPL legend R Ashwin addressed the social media backlash regarding Ishan Kishan’s controversial post-match celebrations at Chepauk after SRH’s win. He advised fans to accept the celebration and move on from the incident.

Ishan Kishan R Ashwin
R Ashwin urged CSK fans to let it go, with regards to Ishan Kishan’s mocking celebration. (via NDTV Sports)

The CSK faithful were left irked at Ishan Kishan, who appeared to mock the franchise’s iconic ‘Whistle-podu’ gesture, and they condemned the act by terming it ‘arrogant’ and ‘disrespectful’. Ashwin, however, suggested that such animated celebrations are often a part of the game and its competitive spirit, and urged fans not to take it personally. He stressed the need for such ‘fun’ and ‘drama’. He said on YouTube:

A lot is being discussed on social media about the celebration he [Ishan Kishan] did after the match. Let it go. These are all sportsmen, emotions are part of the game. Don’t take it personally, enjoy it.

While Ashwin was quick to defend Kishan from the outrage, he did acknowledge that the 27-year-old batter did go a step ahead by directly engaging with the fans. He felt the SRH batter should have shown ‘restraint’, avoiding the hand gestures he made to the Chepauk crowd. Ashwin also commented that CSK players would be justified in doing the same if they defeated SRH in Hyderabad next IPL season.

Maybe next time, Ishan [Kishan] 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.

SRH’s victory has significantly boosted their chances for a top-two finish in the IPL standings. The 2016 champions will conclude their league stage campaign by facing the current table-toppers, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, at home on May 22.

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