NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi has taken the IPL 2025 spotlight by storm—not just with his performances, but with his now-famous “notebook celebration.” After taking a wicket, the left-arm spinner theatrically pretends to pull out an imaginary notebook and jot something down, as if recording his opponent’s name. During the clash against Gujarat Titans at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday, Rathi bagged the crucial wicket of Jos Buttler and debuted a new twist—this time, kneeling down to sign the grass, perhaps symbolising a respectful signature moment rather than a taunt.
Rathi, who has publicly admired Sunil Narine and modelled aspects of his bowling on the West Indian star, has been under scrutiny for his celebrations. In a match against Punjab Kings, he repeated the notebook gesture after dismissing Priyansh Arya—an act deemed provocative by match officials. Though playful in intent, it was considered unsportsmanlike. As a result, Rathi was fined 25% of his match fee (Rs 1,87,500 based on the standard Rs 7.5 lakh IPL fee) and handed one demerit point.
However, just four days later, he repeated the same celebration against Mumbai Indians’ Naman Dhir, drawing a stronger reaction from the IPL disciplinary committee. Rathi was fined 50% of his match fee (Rs 3,75,000) and charged with a second Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct—bringing his total demerit points to three this season. Altogether, Rathi has now been fined Rs 5,62,500 across two celebration-related incidents—but remains unfazed, continuing to showcase both flair and fire with every wicket.
In five matches this season, Rathi has picked up seven wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.75. His long hair and a Sunil Narine-inspired run-up further add to his persona on the field. Rathi's coach at the Dronacharya Cricket Academy in Delhi, Sachin Shukla, praised his hard work, stating, "Hard work, it is said, beats talent, and Digvesh Rathi is a prime example of it." Shukla reflected on Rathi's journey, noting that he was once a typical offspinner before he decided to add mystery to his bowling around 2020.
Rathi's transformation began when he started emulating Narine's bowling style, which has paid off significantly. His ability to hide the ball behind his back in his run-up and bowl at a quicker pace has made him a challenging bowler to face. Shukla recalls, "He is a completely different bowler now. He hides the ball behind his back in his run-up and bowls at a much quicker pace. His carrom ball is very difficult to pick as he uses a similar grip for his googly as well." This strategy proved effective when he bowled out Naman Dhir in their match.
Rathi's dedication to the sport has not gone unnoticed. LSG head coach Justin Langer praised Rathi's passion for bowling, stating, "If he could bowl for 16 hours a day, he would bowl for 16 hours a day." This level of commitment is evident in Rathi's training regimen; he would often bowl non-stop for six to seven hours at a single stump, showcasing his relentless pursuit of improvement.
Despite facing setbacks, including a collarbone fracture early in his career and failing to make Delhi's Under-19 team, Rathi's perseverance has led him to success. He was picked as a net bowler for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2022 and 2023 and later for Kolkata Knight Riders, where he learned from his idol, Narine. His performance in the 2024 Delhi Premier League, where he emerged as the fourth-highest wicket-taker, solidified his reputation as a rising star.
After his stint in the DPL, Rathi was selected for Delhi's senior team at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he made a significant impact in his two matches. His impressive figures of 3 wickets for 19 runs across 7 overs caught the attention of LSG, who picked him at the mega auction for IPL 2025. Since then, he has outperformed established players like Ravi Bishnoi, cementing his role as LSG's go-to spinner.
Rathi's performances have sparked conversations about the IPL's approach to player celebrations. His unique notebook celebration has divided opinions, with some viewing it as a harmless expression of joy while others have deemed it excessive. Former cricketer Maninder Singh expressed concern over the fines imposed on players for celebrating, stating, "Please don't take these (show of emotions) away from cricket, because they add spice. As long as they are not personal in nature." Singh's remarks reflect a growing sentiment among fans and players alike regarding the need for a balance between sportsmanship and emotional expression.
Rathi's elder brother, Sunny, also weighed in on the matter, revealing that while the family advised him to tone down his celebrations after the first penalty, Rathi remains adamant about maintaining his style. "He once told me, 'If I stop celebrating in my style, I'll lose my edge. I don't want to become a defensive player.' He sees himself as an aggressive bowler and insists that his celebrations reflect his mindset," Sunny shared.
As the IPL 2025 season progresses, Rathi's journey continues to captivate fans. With his combination of skill, dedication, and unique personality, he has become a player to watch. His ability to balance performance with flamboyant celebrations has made him a talking point not just for his team, but for the entire league. The ongoing debate about player conduct and emotional expression in sports will undoubtedly continue, but for now, Rathi remains focused on his craft, eager to pen down more memorable moments on the field.
