India’s triumph over Pakistan in Sunday’s Champions Trophy match set off nationwide celebrations. The historic cricket rivalry once again took center stage as fans flooded social media with excitement. Many praised Team India, especially Virat Kohli, whose brilliant century led to an easy and decisive win.

However, amid the cheers, an unexpected name began trending online—Abhay Singh, an aerospace engineer-turned-sadhu, popularly known as ‘IITian Baba.’

Social Media Trolls ‘IITian Baba’

Abhay Singh first gained attention during the Mahakumbh, but his earlier podcast statements made him the target of intense trolling. In the podcast, he confidently predicted that India would not win against Pakistan. He went as far as to challenge Virat Kohli and his team, saying, “Iss bar India nahi jeetegi. Virat Kohli aur sabko bol do ki jeet ke dikha dein. Maine bola nahi jeetegi India toh nahi jeetegi.” (India will not win this time. Tell Virat Kohli and his team to try their best, but they won’t succeed. If I say India won’t win, they won’t.)

Once India secured the victory, social media erupted with memes mocking the so-called sadhu. Many users urged podcast creators to stop inviting him as a guest, labeling him a fraud.

Even Prafull Billore, the founder of MBA Chai Wala Group, joined the online banter. He humorously resigned from his title as India’s "panauti" (bad luck charm), suggesting that IITian Baba should now take over.

A large number of posts called for Abhay Singh to stop making predictions and stay out of the spotlight.

IITian Baba Issues an Apology

Following the backlash, Abhay Singh took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a public apology. He shared pictures of Virat Kohli and the Indian team celebrating their win.

He wrote, “I want to publicly apologise and ask each one of you all to celebrate, it's party time. Mujhe mann hi mann pata tha ki India jeetega.” (I knew in my heart that India would win.)

Despite his apology, social media continues to have a field day with memes and jokes at his expense.