Digvesh Rathi Suspended : Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi has been suspended for one match, while Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman Abhishek Sharma has been fined, following a heated argument during the IPL 2025 match on May 19.
LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka also stepped in to calm the situation. In this article, we’ve covered the incident, the punishment handed out, and reactions from key figures. Let’s get started.
Digvesh Rathi Suspended
During Sunrisers Hyderabad’s chase of 205 runs set by Lucknow Super Giants, Digvesh Rathi dismissed Abhishek Sharma in the eighth over. At that time, Sharma had already smashed 59 runs off just 20 balls. After taking the wicket, Rathi celebrated by pretending to write in his notebook – a gesture he has become known for.
However, this celebration didn’t sit well with Abhishek Sharma, and tensions quickly escalated. A verbal spat broke out between the two players.
Umpires and teammates had to intervene to keep the players apart. A video clip of the incident is now going viral, where Sharma can be seen telling Rathi:
“Teri choti pakad ke maarunga”
Although both players shook hands after the match, the BCCI still decided to take disciplinary action.
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BCCI’s Action and Penalties
Digvesh Rathi has been found guilty of committing his third Level 1 offence under the IPL Code of Conduct. As a result:
- He has been fined 50% of his match fee.
- He has been suspended from Lucknow’s next match, which is against the Gujarat Titans.
- His total demerit points now stand at 5, accumulated from – 2 points vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2 points vs. Mumbai Indians, 1 point vs. Punjab Kings
Abhishek Sharma, on the other hand:
- Has been fined 25% of his match fee
- Has received 1 demerit point
Role of Sanjiv Goenka and BCCI Vice President
After the match, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka personally met with both players to resolve the issue. Alongside him, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla also spoke with both players. According to reports, the two senior officials advised the players to focus on cricket rather than indulging in over-the-top celebrations.
Rathi’s Controversial Celebration History
This is not the first time Rathi’s “notebook celebration” has landed him in trouble:
- He was fined 25% of his match fee against Punjab Kings
- Fined 50% against Mumbai Indians
- So far, Rathi has paid a total of ₹562,500 in fines this season
Despite repeated warnings from the BCCI, Rathi has continued with the same celebration, ultimately leading to his one-match ban.
Digvesh Rathi has taken 14 wickets in 12 matches this season, but his repeated Code of Conduct violations are raising concerns. While player celebrations add entertainment to the game, crossing the line results in consequences, as seen in this incident.
