The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a breeding ground for drama, rivalry, and cricketing excellence. But occasionally, amid all the tension and high-stakes action, there emerges a moment of levity that captures the collective imagination of fans across the world. The clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday night was one such occasion—thanks to a cheeky gesture from Mumbai’s very own Suryakumar Yadav and a now-iconic celebration from Abhishek Sharma that has already etched itself into IPL folklore.
The Viral Pocket Celebration: Where It All Began
To understand the hilarity and charm of the Suryakumar-Abhishek moment, we need to rewind a few days. Abhishek Sharma, the explosive SRH opener, took the league by storm when he bludgeoned a breathtaking 141 runs off just 55 balls against Punjab Kings (PBKS)—a whirlwind innings that stunned opponents, delighted fans, and reaffirmed his growing stature in the cricketing world.
But it wasn’t just the runs that stole the show. At the end of his innings, Abhishek reached into his pocket, pulled out a folded piece of paper, and raised it for the cameras. On it was a simple but heartfelt message:
“This one is for the Orange Army.”
The crowd roared in appreciation. Commentators chuckled. Social media exploded. In an era where players are often advised to “let the bat do the talking,” this note—subtle, sincere, and surprising—was a refreshing change. It spoke to the player-fan connection that the IPL thrives on, and fans hailed it as one of the most memorable celebrations of the 2025 season.
Suryakumar’s Comedic Genius: The Pocket Check
Fast forward to the high-voltage match between MI and SRH, with both teams trying to stabilize their IPL 2025 campaigns. While the game offered its share of thrills, it was an unexpected piece of light-hearted banter that would become the moment of the night.
As Abhishek Sharma was adjusting his gear at the non-striker’s end, Suryakumar Yadav, never one to shy away from theatrics or fun, casually walked over. With an impish grin on his face, SKY began mock-patting Abhishek down, gently checking his pockets as if searching for another celebratory note.
The crowd caught on instantly. Laughter erupted across the Wankhede. Abhishek, slightly amused and slightly embarrassed, grinned sheepishly. Cameras zoomed in, commentators burst into laughter, and in a matter of minutes, the video clip went viral, racking up thousands of retweets, memes, and fan edits.
It wasn’t just a joke. It was a beautiful moment of camaraderie between two players who understand that cricket, at its heart, is also about joy.
Abhishek’s Follow-up Performance: A Glimpse of His Form
Coming off a record-breaking high, Abhishek Sharma walked into the MI vs SRH clash with all eyes fixed on him. Could he repeat the heroics? Would there be another note in the pocket?
He may not have replicated the carnage of the previous match, but Abhishek still looked composed and confident. He struck 40 runs off 28 balls, laced with seven elegant boundaries. Particularly in the fifth over, his strokeplay was sublime—clean, effortless, and authoritative. It was a display of class more than brute force.
However, the innings didn’t last as long as SRH fans would have hoped. In the eighth over, Abhishek fell prey to a well-executed short ball by Hardik Pandya. The dismissal was made possible by Raj Angad Bawa, who, coming in as a substitute fielder, took a sharp, diving catch that ended Abhishek’s promising innings.
It wasn’t the 141-run explosion, but it was another reminder that Abhishek Sharma is a force to be reckoned with in IPL 2025.
SRH Post a Fighting Total Despite Middle-Order Wobbles
Batting first, Sunrisers Hyderabad managed to put up a respectable total of 162 for 5 in their 20 overs. After a few early scares, with both openers being dropped in the first over by Deepak Chahar, the team recovered, thanks to valuable cameos from their middle order.
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Heinrich Klaasen continued his consistent form, scoring 37 off 28, anchoring the innings during a crucial middle phase.
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Aniket Verma, the exciting youngster, lit up the death overs with a quickfire 18 off just 8 deliveries, smashing two massive sixes.
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And in the final two overs, Pat Cummins showcased his batting abilities with a cameo of 22 off 10 balls, giving SRH that extra thrust.
The Wankhede pitch, with its characteristic bounce, offered some grip and turn for the spinners, making 162 a challenging but chaseable target.
Mumbai Indians Clinch Victory With Late Nerve
Chasing 163, Mumbai Indians started solidly but found themselves in a bit of a tangle during the middle overs. However, the match was rescued by the composed brilliance of Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton, who stitched together a crucial partnership.
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Will Jacks, showing his value as a top-order stabilizer, compiled a calm 48 off 34 balls, absorbing the pressure and finding the gaps.
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Rickelton, more aggressive in approach, smashed 42 off 26, including two sixes that eased the required run rate.
Just when things seemed comfortable, SRH bowlers clawed back, taking wickets in quick succession. Tension soared. The Wankhede crowd held its breath. But in the end, MI’s depth in batting and ability to play calculated cricket saw them home, winning the match by four wickets in the final over.
It was a hard-fought win for MI and another competitive display from SRH, who continue to show flashes of brilliance this season.
Cricket Meets Comedy: Why This Moment Matters
The Suryakumar-Abhishek moment wasn’t just funny—it was important. In an age where cricket is increasingly data-driven and intense, moments of unscripted joy serve as a refreshing reminder of the human side of the sport.
Both players have had different journeys:
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Suryakumar Yadav, once a domestic stalwart, is now India’s Mr. 360 and a household name.
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Abhishek Sharma, a young, fearless talent, is still writing his story, breaking records, and learning with every match.
And yet, in that shared moment of mischief, they showed that respect, friendship, and humour can coexist with fierce competition.
It also underscores the power of the IPL—not just as a cricket tournament, but as a cultural phenomenon. Where else would a folded note spark a league-wide reaction? Where else would a pretend pocket-check become a meme fest?
Fan Reactions: Memes, Cheers, and Creativity
Social media was abuzz within minutes. Here’s how fans reacted:
“SKY was just doing quality control—wanted to make sure the note wasn’t fake!”
“Suryakumar checking pockets > DRS review.”
“When you order a note celebration on Amazon but get Suryakumar’s prank instead
”
Within hours, fan art, reels, and meme compilations flooded platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit. Some even called for “pocket note celebrations” to be made a trend across franchises.
Cricket With a Smile
In a tournament as intense as the IPL, it’s these little moments that make all the difference. They make the game more relatable, more human, and infinitely more lovable.
Suryakumar Yadav’s cheeky gesture and Abhishek Sharma’s heartfelt celebration have already become defining visuals of IPL 2025. They represent everything this league is meant to be—passion, performance, personality, and pure fun.
As the tournament continues to unfold with high-octane finishes, stunning performances, and championship dreams, fans will fondly look back at that night in Wankhede—not just for the win or the runs—but for a smile, a laugh, and a gentle pat-down.
Because sometimes, all it takes to win hearts is a folded note and a playful search for it.
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