Digvesh Rathi’s IPL 2025 Journey: A Mix of Talent, Controversy, and Debate
When it comes to the IPL 2025 season, one name from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has grabbed attention — not just for his skills but also for the controversies swirling around him. Spinner Digvesh Rathi has been turning heads with some impressive performances, yet he’s been in the spotlight for his much-talked-about ‘Notebook Celebration,’ which has landed him in trouble multiple times. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has slapped fines on him repeatedly and even handed him a one-match ban, stirring up debates around fairness and consistency in player discipline.
What Exactly Happened? The ‘Notebook Celebration’ Controversy
Digvesh Rathi’s unique style of celebration — pulling out an imaginary notebook to ‘note down’ the wicket or dismissals — caught the eye early in the season. While fans found it quirky and entertaining, the IPL authorities saw it differently. They deemed it against the spirit of the game, leading to fines each time he performed this act on the field. However, the major turning point came during the Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad clash on May 19, 2025.
In that match, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) edged out LSG in a closely fought contest. But what stole the headlines wasn’t just the final result — it was the fiery on-field moment between Digvesh and SRH’s Abhishek Sharma. After bowling Sharma out, Rathi gave a fierce sendoff, and the two got involved in a heated verbal spat. The BCCI took strict action and handed Rathi a one-match suspension.
Virender Sehwag’s Take: Was the Ban Fair?
This decision didn’t sit well with many, especially former Indian batting legend Virender Sehwag. Known for his straightforward opinions, Sehwag felt the punishment was a little too harsh, especially for a young player in his debut IPL season.
Sehwag didn’t hold back while commenting on the matter. He pointed out the inconsistent treatment of players by the BCCI when it comes to breaching the Code of Conduct. For instance, he reminded fans and critics that MS Dhoni once barged onto the ground during a match without facing a ban. Similarly, Virat Kohli’s sometimes fiery exchanges with umpires have often been under the spotlight, yet he too hasn’t faced such severe punishments.
“I thought that the ban was a bit harsh. The boy is playing in his first year in the IPL. MS Dhoni had barged into the ground, he was not banned then. Virat Kohli has spoken to umpires in that tone, who knows how many times, he was also not banned,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.
Why Was Digvesh Rathi Targeted?
Digvesh Rathi is a young spinner making his way into the big league. His aggressive celebration and emotional intensity on the field reflect his passion and hunger to prove himself. But for some reason, the IPL’s disciplinary action seemed to single him out.
Critics and fans have argued that Rathi’s celebration, though unconventional, was never meant to disrespect anyone. Instead, it’s a form of expressing joy and confidence, which many players display in various ways. The question is — why has this particular act been penalized so harshly when other players have gotten away with similar or even more provocative behaviors?
Sehwag chimed in here again, showing support for the youngster:
“Digvesh Rathi could have been spared, because he is a young player, just coming into the scene, could have let that one go.”
The Bigger Picture: Consistency in BCCI’s Code of Conduct Enforcement
This incident has opened up a larger conversation about how the BCCI applies its Code of Conduct across players. Is there a double standard at play? Why are star players often spared harsher punishments, while newcomers get penalized more severely?
The IPL is known for its high energy, fiery moments, and passionate displays, but discipline is also critical. Still, fans and experts want to see fairness and transparency in how rules are enforced.
Some believe that younger players like Digvesh need guidance rather than punishment. After all, the IPL is as much about nurturing new talent as it is about entertaining the crowds.
Digvesh Rathi: The Future of Indian Spin Bowling?
Despite the controversy, there’s no doubt that Digvesh Rathi is an exciting talent with huge potential. His performances have shown glimpses of a future star spinner, and he’s already become a key player in the LSG bowling lineup.
His spirited attitude and fearless approach to the game resonate well with fans, especially those who love seeing fresh talent make their mark on the big stage. The question now is whether this controversy will be a stepping stone for him to grow stronger or if it will put unnecessary pressure on his young shoulders.
Key Highlights from Digvesh Rathi’s IPL 2025 Season:
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Notable performances: Impressive wicket-taking ability and tight bowling spells for Lucknow Super Giants.
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The infamous ‘Notebook Celebration’: Became a talking point throughout the tournament.
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BCCI fines and one-match ban: Result of repeated celebration breaches and an on-field spat.
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Support from legends: Virender Sehwag publicly backed him, questioning the severity of punishment.
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Growing star potential: Seen as a bright future spinner for India.
Fans React: Mixed Feelings on Social Media
Social media platforms have been buzzing with opinions. While some fans feel that Digvesh was just a bit too aggressive and deserved some form of penalty, a larger section sympathizes with him. Many believe his celebration added a fresh flavor to the IPL and that such passion should be encouraged, not punished.
One Twitter user wrote, “Let the kids play their game. IPL is for excitement, not just strict rules.” Another noted, “If legends like Dhoni and Kohli can get away with some things, why punish new players so strictly?”
Final Thoughts: Learning and Moving Forward
Digvesh Rathi’s IPL 2025 chapter is a classic example of how young talents often face scrutiny while trying to establish themselves. Celebrations, emotions, and fiery moments are part and parcel of cricket, especially in a league as vibrant as the IPL.
Going forward, the balance between enforcing discipline and nurturing talent must be maintained carefully. Digvesh Rathi, with his evident skill and passion, deserves a chance to learn, grow, and entertain fans without the shadow of harsh penalties looming over him.
Summary
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Digvesh Rathi shone for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 but faced controversies due to his ‘Notebook Celebration.’
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Received multiple fines and a one-match ban from BCCI after an on-field spat with Abhishek Sharma.
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Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag criticized the severity of the punishment, citing inconsistency in BCCI’s disciplinary actions.
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Many fans support Digvesh, considering him a promising young talent deserving encouragement.
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The incident highlights the need for consistent and fair Code of Conduct enforcement in IPL.
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