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” ceremony which has become a major talking point during the tournament.
IPL 2026 saw many heated moments on and off the field. During a quick discussion released by ESPN Cricinfo, experts analyzed the incidents that have divided fans and the wider cricket community, clearly separating healthy competitive aggression from actions they considered abusive.
Ambati Rayudu and Mark Boucher were asked whether not shaking hands should be considered a “red flag” or a “green flag”. He called it an alarm bell and made it clear that regardless of pressure or emotions during the match, handshakes should be refused once the limit is crossed.
Divisive question 👀😆 pic.twitter.com/xK6CDml88T
– ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) 24 May 2026
The handshake controversy started after the heated IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22. There was a heated altercation between Virat Kohli and Travis Head during the chase and later the tension continued during the post-match handshake line.
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 cameras after reaching milestones or taking important wickets during matches.
Akash Singh displayed a note about his wicket-taking ability during the 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 intense discussion. When asked about the chit ceremony, both the legends raised red flags calling pre-planned gestures unnecessary in cricket.
During the discussion, former cricketers expressed disagreement over the controversial impact player rule. Mark Boucher opposed this rule, while Ambati Rayudu supported it, saying that the tournament currently lacks enough quality Indian all-rounders to balance the teams properly.
“I am really in favor of it because there are not a lot of quality all-rounders.”
The discussion also included accidental swearing during the live interview. Mark Boucher defended the players in such situations and called it an honest mistake, pointing out that emotions and pressure can sometimes lead to unintentional mistakes during post-match broadcasts.
“It’s an honest mistake. Yeah, some games don’t do that.”
Both experts also supported franchises hiding injury details from the public, calling it a common strategy in professional sports. Boucher supported the players by asking opposition fans to remain quiet during away matches.
“There’s nothing wrong with that. I don’t think it… works both ways. Give and take.”
The segment ended with both the legends supporting healthy social media banter between players and teams. However, Rayudu said online exchanges should always remain respectful and should not cross personal boundaries.
“As long as it’s healthy and respectful.”
Also read: Hardik Pandya removed from Mumbai Indians captaincy, but Virender Sehwag retains Rishabh Pant
