IPL 2025: Digvesh Rathi's celebration sparks debate amid BCCI action

Emerging star Digvesh Rathi, currently shining in IPL 2025, has caught the eye with both his performance and his controversial 'notebook' celebration. 

Playing for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rathi's exuberant antics on the field have not gone unnoticed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), resulting in disciplinary action.

BCCI Penalties

The young cricketer first attracted BCCI's scrutiny after celebrating a wicket against Punjab Kings' Priyansh Arya with the 'notebook' gesture, which led to a penalty of 25% of his match fee and one demerit point. 

Showing no signs of restraint, Rathi repeated this gesture targeting Naman Dhir in a match against the Mumbai Indians, drawing a more severe punishment of 50% fine on his match fee and an additional two demerit points. This placed Rathi on the brink of suspension under BCCI regulations.

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Adapted Celebration

However, Rathi exhibited adaptability by modifying his celebration in a recent encounter with the Kolkata Knight Riders, as he performed a 'writing on the grass' act after dismissing his idol, Sunil Narine. This altered form of celebration appears to have spared him from further penalties by the BCCI.

Family Concern

Rathi's brother, Sunny, expressed concerns about the potential disrespectful nature of these celebrations. "I did ask Digvesh about it. He told me it motivates him. I said, 'Okay, if that helps you play better, fine, but don't disrespect any player'. He's not doing it to attract attention. He was not even on social media till recently… wouldn't even update his WhatsApp status. He would say, 'what is the point of status update, when you don't have status'?"

Rathi, who plays with a fearless spirit on the pitch, now faces the challenge of balancing his exuberant celebratory style with the obligations and standards expected by the BCCI.