In the electrifying arena of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), where every match is a spectacle, Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi has emerged as a captivating subplot. The 25-year-old Delhi-born leg-spinner, acquired for a modest INR 30 lakhs, has not only spun webs around batters but also stirred a storm with his famous ‘notebook’ celebration.
After facing the wrath of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with hefty fines and demerit points, Rathi’s family has finally broken the silence, offering insight into his motivations, while advising him to tread carefully to avoid disrespecting opponents.
Rathi’s ‘notebook’ celebration, inspired by West Indies' pacer Kesrick Williams, first caught the public’s eye during LSG’s clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS). After dismissing opener Priyansh Arya, Rathi mimicked jotting down a name in an imaginary notebook.
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The BCCI, however, was not amused, deeming it a Level 1 breach of the IPL Code of Conduct under Article 2.5, which prohibits actions that could demean or provoke a dismissed batter. Rathi was fined 25 percent of his match fees and handed one demerit point.
Undeterred, the leggie repeated the act in LSG’s next game against Mumbai Indians (MI), celebrating the dismissal of Naman Dhir with the same flourish. This defiance cost him dearly: a 50 percent match fee fine and two additional demerit points, bringing his tally to three and placing him perilously close to a one-match suspension.
Yet, during LSG’s high-octane encounter with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rathi tweaked his celebration. After dismissing his idol, Sunil Narine, with a well-disguised googly, he opted for a subtler ‘writing on the grass’ act, avoiding direct confrontation with the batter. This time, the BCCI held its fire, with no penalty announced, suggesting Rathi may have found a way to express himself within the rules.
Speaking to the Indian Express, Sunny Rathi revealed the personal motivation behind his brother’s celebration while emphasizing the need for respect.
"I did ask Digvesh about it. He told me it motivates him. I said, 'Okay, if that helps you play better, fine, but don't disrespect any player'. He's not doing it to attract attention. He was not even on social media till recently… wouldn't even update his WhatsApp status. He would say, 'what is the point of status update, when you don't have status'?"
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Rathi’s journey to IPL stardom is as compelling as his on-field antics. His stellar performances in the inaugural Delhi Premier League season, where he took 14 wickets, caught LSG’s eye, and he has since proven his worth, claiming nine wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 7.43.
As LSG continues its IPL 2025 journey, all eyes will be on Rathi, who will be next seen in action playing for LSG against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 19 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. For now, the spinner seems determined to keep his notebook open, albeit with a touch more caution.
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