Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) bowler Digvesh Rathi has been making headlines ever since his impressive debut in IPL 2025. The Delhi-born leg-break bowler has caught attention on the field for his signature ‘notebook’ celebration, which has landed him in trouble with the BCCI on two occasions this season.
The 25-year-old first showcased the Kesrick Williams-style notebook celebration during LSG’s clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS), after dismissing the left-handed batter Priyansh Arya. The act resulted in Rathi being fined 25 percent of his match fees in addition to a one demerit point.
Despite the warning, Rathi repeated the celebration in the following game against Mumbai Indians (MI) after taking the wicket of Naman Dhir. This time, the BCCI came down harder, slapping him with a 50 percent match fee fine and two demerit points, putting him at risk of a one-match suspension.
However, in the subsequent game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rathi altered his celebration. After dismissing his idol, Sunil Narine, he mimicked the notebook gesture by writing on the grass instead of in the air. Interestingly, the BCCI did not take any disciplinary action on this occasion.
Speaking for the first time about the controversy, Rathi addressed the criticism surrounding his celebration. Meanwhile, his brother Sunny advised the bowler not to disrespect any player through his on-field celebrations, emphasising the importance of sportsmanship.
“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’?,” said Sunny to Indian Express.
The Delhi-born cricketer first caught the limelight with his stellar performances in the inaugural edition of the Delhi Premier League (DPL), which eventually earned him an IPL contract. LSG secured his services for INR 30 lakhs at the mega auction. So far, he has picked up nine wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.43, making him the second-highest wicket-taker for LSG this season, just behind Shardul Thakur, who leads with 11 wickets.
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