Introduction
In a striking development from the latest IPL match, Digvesh Singh Rathi, a prominent spinner from Lucknow Super Giants, faced harsh penalties following a distinctive celebration that breached the IPL’s code of conduct.
Details of the Incident
During the electrifying face-off between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Digvesh Singh Rathi was fined 25% of his match fees in addition to receiving a demerit point. This punishment came as a result of his unusual ‘letter-writing’ celebration after dismissing Punjab Kings’ batsman Priyansh Arya. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declared this act a violation of the IPL’s standards, specifically citing a “breach of the IPL Code of Conduct”.
Specifics of the Penalty
- The incident transpired on the penultimate ball of the third over, during PBKS’s pursuit of a 172-run target.
- Digvesh bowled a short and wide delivery which Arya mishandled, leading to his dismissal.
- Following the dismissal, Rathi mimicked writing a letter, an action directed towards Arya, leading to disciplinary action by the umpires on the field.
- This controversial celebration quickly drew comparisons to the ‘notebook’ celebration by West Indies’ Kesrick Williams, known for his notable spats on the field.
Reactions to Rathi’s Celebration
The celebration did not sit well with cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Mohammed Kaif who were part of the commentary team during the match. Their disapproval echoed the sentiments of many as the act sparked widespread discussion.
Match Outcome and Rathi’s Performance
Despite the controversy, Rathi demonstrated commendable skill, emerging as the top performer in LSG’s bowling line-up with figures of 2/30 from his four overs. However, the team’s overall bowling performance faltered, allowing PBKS to easily chase down the target with more than three overs to spare, winning the match by eight wickets and ascending to the second position on the IPL 2025 points table.
Conclusion
The incident has not only led to repercussions for Rathi but also sparked a wider conversation about sportsmanship and the ethical boundaries of celebratory gestures in professional cricket.
Related: 5 Startling Allegations by LSG’s Zaheer Khan on Home Pitch Sabotage
Last Updated: April 2, 2025
