Former international cricketers Ambati Rayudu and Mark Boucher criticized the controversial handshake snub between Virat Kohli and Travis Head after the IPL 2026 clash. Rayudu and Boucher also disapproved of the viral “pocket chit” celebrations that have become a major talking point during the tournament.
IPL 2026 witnessed several heated moments on and off the field. During a rapid-fire discussion released by ESPNCricinfo, the experts clearly separated healthy competitive aggression from actions they considered disrespectful while analyzing incidents that have divided fans and the wider cricket community.
Skipping Handshakes a Massive Red Flag, Say Ambati Rayudu, Mark Boucher
Ambati Rayudu and Mark Boucher were asked whether skipping handshakes should be considered a “red flag” or “green flag.” They called it a red flag and made it clear that refusing a handshake after a match crosses the line, regardless of the pressure or emotions involved during the game.
Divisive questions 👀😆 pic.twitter.com/xK6CDml88T
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 24, 2026
The handshake controversy began after the heated IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22. Virat Kohli and Travis Head were involved in an intense verbal exchange during the chase, and the tension later continued during the post-match handshake line.
Also Read: ‘Udta' Punjab Kings crash after month of hits as 'Sarpanch' Shreyas Iyer misses IPL 2026 glory
Ambati Rayudu, Mark Boucher Reject Viral “Pocket Chit” Celebration Trend During IPL 2026
The “pocket chit” celebration has become one of the biggest talking points of IPL 2026. Players have started carrying handwritten notes in their pockets and showing them to the cameras after reaching milestones or taking important wickets during matches.
Akash Singh displayed a note about his wicket-taking ability during a match against Chennai Super Kings. Urvil Patel dedicated a message to his father after scoring a record-equalling half-century, while Raghu Sharma used a written note after taking his first IPL wicket for Mumbai Indians.
However, Ambati Rayudu and Mark Boucher did not support the trend during their rapid-fire discussion. Both veterans raised red flags when asked about chit celebrations, stating the pre-planned gestures as unnecessary in cricket.
Mark Boucher and Ambati Rayudu Split Over Impact Player Rule
The former cricketers disagreed on the controversial Impact Player rule during the discussion. Mark Boucher opposed the rule, while Ambati Rayudu supported it, saying the tournament currently lacks enough quality Indian all-rounders to balance teams properly.
“I am actually for it because there are not many quality all rounders.”
The discussion also covered accidental swearing during live interviews. Mark Boucher defended players in such situations and called it an honest mistake, explaining that emotions and pressure can sometimes lead to unintentional slips during post-match broadcasts.
“That's an honest mistake. Yeah, some sports don't.”
Both experts also supported franchises hiding injury details from the public, describing it as normal strategy in professional sport. Boucher backed players asking opposition fans to stay quiet during away matches.
“There's nothing wrong with it. I don't think it's... works both ways. Give and take.”
The segment ended with both veterans supporting healthy social media banter between players and teams. However, Rayudu said that online exchanges should always remain respectful and should not cross personal boundaries.
“As long as it is healthy and respectful.”
Also read: Hardik Pandya removed as Mumbai Indians captain, but Rishabh Pant retained by Virender Sehwag
