Differential treatment for Kohli & Rathi: Former India star slams IPL authorities for 'double standards'

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has voiced concerns regarding the inconsistency in disciplinary actions within the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He drew comparisons between the actions against Lucknow Super Giants spinner, Digvesh Rathi, and Royal Challengers Bangalore player, Virat Kohli.

Disparate Punishments in Focus

The controversy centres on the penalties imposed on Rathi, who has been fined twice for his on-field celebrations, while Kohli has faced no repercussions for a similar display during a match against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.

In a YouTube commentary, Chopra noted that Rathi had adapted his celebratory conduct following the penalties. Nevertheless, he expressed concerns that Kohli's exuberant celebration during the Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore encounter, which he characterised as "pure aggression", was not similarly sanctioned by league authorities.

Call for Consistent Enforcement

Chopra questioned these inconsistencies by referencing a past incident involving former India captain MS Dhoni, who was penalised 50% of his match fee for stepping onto the pitch during a game without justification. 

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"I remember when MS Dhoni was fined half of his match fee for entering the field without justification. There was immediate action taken. But in Kohli's case, there has been no such discipline," he stated.

Chopra argued for uniform enforcement of IPL regulations, indicating that star players should not receive preferential treatment due to their status.

"Equal enforcement of rules regardless of a player's fame is essential," he advocated, urging fair treatment across the league.