Lucknow Super Giants’ leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi, currently playing his debut season in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has grabbed headlines not just for his on-field performance but also for his fiery ‘notebook’ celebration. The spotlight turned on Rathi when he gave a dramatic send-off to his domestic teammate Priyansh Arya after dismissing him in the match against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The animated celebration led to Rathi being fined for breaching the IPL’s code of conduct.
Digvesh Rathi repeated his fiery send-off celebration in the match against Mumbai Indians (MI) after dismissing Naman Dhir, resulting in another fine. After being penalised twice, the 25-year-old leg-spinner unveiled a new celebration style — this time, after taking the wicket of his idol Sunil Narine in the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rathi celebrated by inscribing something on the ground, adding a creative twist to his trademark reactions.
Following these incidents, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull expressed his opinion that the BCCI is being too harsh on the young bowler. He pointed out that several senior players have committed more serious on-field offences in the past without facing any consequences, questioning why Digvesh Rathi is being repeatedly penalised.
“The team have got to be paying that (the fines). I don’t like it. I love the celebrations, I don’t think he has done anything at all wrong. I’ve seen senior Indian players do way worse, be in your face, and not get a fine. They are making an example out of a young man who is what, making a note in his notebook?” Doull said on Cricbuzz.
Digvesh Rathi’s Performance In IPL 2025 So Far
Digvesh Rathi has featured in five matches this season, claiming seven wickets at an economy rate of 7.75. In his most recent outing against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he recorded the best economy for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), conceding at 8.2 runs per over and also picking up a wicket.
However, the BCCI is currently investigating his conduct, and if found guilty of breaching the IPL Code of Conduct, the leg-spinner could face suspension for a few matches in what is his debut IPL season.
