Kiccha Sudeep on his viral CCL video: I credit…

In the last few days, a reel featuring Kiccha Sudeep has been going viral on social media. In the video, Sudeep, kitted out as the wicket-keeper for his team Karnataka Bulldozers was seen giving the bowler, Manjunath Gowda, a piece of his mind, about the effect of his wayward bowling. What Sudeep said was not the most politically-correct, but was more of a passionate abuse said in the heat of the moment.

Why did Sudeep go viral?

But the actor, who is known for being one of the most well-spoken in the Kannada film industry, went viral, with most netizens finding it funny, while a few pointed out that there is a different side to the actor, apart from the polished avatar he presents. His teammates have also been laughing it off, as is Sudeep himself, who briefly spoke about it at the Rakkasapuradhol trailer launch in Bengaluru.

Sudeep was the chief guest at the event, given that the film has been produced by popular stunt master Ravi Verma, and directed by Ravi Saranga, a long-time associate of director Prem. Making light of the on-field moment Sudeep said, “I credit Prem for my choice of language; he’s been my guru”, adding that when Prem narrates a story, the dialogues are often peppered with expletives, which had the actor wondering if he was still getting a narration or being abused.

Also read: CCL 2026 semi-final 2: Karnataka Bulldozers vs Chennai Kings; head-to-head, schedule and live stream

“Prem is the first person to publicly celebrate what I said during the CCL match. So, if I say anything like that during the semi-final, he is the inspiration. It’s not my fault,” said Sudeep in jest. Following the event, Sudeep headed to Coimbatore, where his team, the Bulldozers, will play in the semi-final of Season 12 of Celebrity Cricket League on January 31, Saturday.

Catch the CCL 2026 semis live on JioHotstar (available via OTTplay Premium too).

The Bulldozers had won all their group stage matches and are at the top of the table. They will play the Vels Chennai Kings (hitherto Chennai Rhinos) in what is expected to be a repeat of last year’s semis, albeit with a different result. In 2025, team Chennai had beaten the Bulldozers on home ground in Mysuru. This time, the Bulldozers are hopeful of beating them on their home ground.

CCL FAQs

Q. Where to watch CCL 2026?

A. Season 12 of the Celebrity Cricket League began on January 16, 2026 and goes on till February 1. Eight teams are in the fray, with the winner getting a prize of Rs 50L. The matches are being live streamed on JioHotstar (available via OTTplay Premium also).

Q. Which are the top 4 teams heading into the semis of CCL 2026?

A. The Karnataka Bulldozers, Bengal Tigers, Kerala Strikers and Chennai Kings have qualified for the semis.