In the ongoing IPL 2025 match between the Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the excitement has reached a fever pitch as both teams battle for crucial points. Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and opted to bat first, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.
As the match unfolded, Mumbai Indians made a strong start, with opener Ryan Rickelton showcasing his batting prowess. The South African left-hander was in sensational form, scoring a blistering 58 runs off just 32 balls, which included six boundaries and four towering sixes. His aggressive innings electrified the crowd and put Mumbai in a commanding position.
However, it was Lucknow Super Giants’ young spinner, Digvesh Rathi, who turned the tide with a crucial breakthrough. Rathi dismissed Rickelton on the fourth ball of the ninth over, sending the dangerous batsman back to the pavilion. The dismissal was a pivotal moment in the match, as Rickelton had been dominating the LSG bowlers, and his exit shifted the momentum.
Rathi celebrated his wicket in his trademark style, bringing back his popular ‘notebook celebration’—a gesture that has become synonymous with his success on the field. The young spinner pretended to jot down Rickelton’s name in an imaginary notebook, a celebration that has captivated fans throughout the IPL season. This time, however, he won’t face any fines for his antics, thanks to a recent directive from the BCCI.
Earlier in the season, Rathi had been fined for what officials deemed “excessive celebrations” after previous dismissals. He faced penalties for his playful gestures, including a fine of 25% of his match fee after taking a wicket against Punjab Kings and another fine of 50% after dismissing Naman Dhir in a subsequent match. These incidents sparked a significant backlash on social media, with fans and experts advocating for Rathi’s right to express himself on the field.
In response to the growing controversy, the BCCI instructed IPL umpires during their weekly meeting in April 2025 to adopt a more lenient approach towards player celebrations. This change has allowed Rathi to enjoy his on-field antics without the fear of financial repercussions, which many see as a win for player expression in the league.
At the time of writing, Mumbai Indians were at 145 for 4 after 14.1 overs, with the match still very much in the balance. The batting side has been aggressive, but the dismissal of Rickelton has given LSG a glimmer of hope as they aim to restrict MI’s scoring.
Rathi’s performance this season has been impressive, as he has now taken 10 wickets in 10 matches, making him one of the standout bowlers for the Lucknow Super Giants. His ability to take crucial wickets at key moments has made him a vital asset to the team as they push for a strong finish in the tournament.
The match itself has been a high-scoring affair, with Mumbai Indians posting a formidable total of 215 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. The team’s aggressive batting lineup, led by Rickelton, has put pressure on the LSG bowlers, but Rathi’s timely wicket could prove to be a turning point.
In addition to Rathi’s exploits, Mayank Yadav also made a notable contribution with the ball for LSG, taking two wickets for 40 runs in his four overs. His efforts, along with Rathi’s crucial wicket, have kept the Super Giants in contention as they seek to defend the target set by Mumbai.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, both teams are firmly in the playoff race, with each match taking on added significance. The contest between Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants is not just a battle for points, but also a showcase of talent, passion, and the ever-evolving dynamics of T20 cricket.
Looking ahead, Rathi will next be seen in action on April 19, 2025, when Lucknow Super Giants face off against the Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. As he continues to make headlines with his performances and celebrations, fans will be eager to see what the young spinner brings to the field in the coming matches.
For now, the IPL continues to deliver thrilling encounters, and the match at Wankhede Stadium is a testament to the excitement and unpredictability that defines the tournament. With the stakes high and the action intense, cricket fans around the world are glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting the next twist in this captivating season.
