BCCI fines LSG bowler Digvesh Singh Rathi:
During the 13th match of IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi gained attention. Eventually, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had to impose a significant fine on this 25-year-old cricketer.
The crux of the matter was Digvesh's flamboyant celebration style after dismissing Priyank Arya of Punjab Kings (PBKS). For his 'letter-writing' celebration, 25% of his match fee was fined, accompanied by a demerit point.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Lucknow's Ekana Stadium during a clash between LSG and PBKS, where Digvesh Singh Rathi faced a penalty for breaching the IPL code. Punjab triumphed by 8 wickets.
An IPL statement confirmed, 'Digvesh Singh acknowledged a Level 1 offense under Article 2.5 and accepted the match referee's penalty.' This leg spinner was among the top performers in LSG's bowling lineup. Digvesh scalped 2 wickets for 30 runs in 4 overs.
Digvesh's contentious celebration caught attention at the end of the third over, as PBKS chased a target of 172 runs.
On executing a short, slightly wide delivery, Priyank Arya attempted a pull without moving his feet much, resulting in a top edge. Shardul Thakur ran from mid-on to complete the catch.
Post the dismissal, when Priyank, having scored 8 runs off 9 balls, was returning to the pavilion, Digvesh gestured as if writing a letter. Commentary icons Sunil Gavaskar and Mohammad Kaif chided Digvesh's conduct during the commentary.
Umpires noticed this display and engaged with the bowler, leading to comparisons with West Indies' pacer Kesrick Williams, known for popularizing the 'notebook' celebration. This included a noted face-off against Virat Kohli during the 2019 bilateral series.
Source: aajtak
Who is Digvesh Singh Rathi?
Leg spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi delivers the ball by concealing it behind his back, akin to Sunil Narine. He caught everyone's eye with stellar performances for South Delhi Superstarz, runners-up of the 2024 Delhi Premier League. He was the trump card for captain Ayush Badoni, finishing as the fourth-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets across 10 matches, maintaining a striking economy of just 7.83.
Ahead of IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants acquired Digvesh for his base price of 30 lakhs in the mega auction. He promptly debuted in T20 for Delhi during the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, claiming three wickets over two matches.
