Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi suspended for one match and fined 50% of his match fee following repeated breaches of the IPL Code of Conduct during the ongoing IPL 2025 season. This disciplinary action came after his controversial “notebook” celebration crossed the league’s behavioral guidelines on multiple occasions.
Fans searching for why Digvesh Rathi suspended will find that it wasn’t just about on-field aggression, but a series of Code of Conduct violations tied to a celebration that, while crowd-pleasing, landed him in hot water with officials.
Why Was Digvesh Rathi Suspended?
The suspension stemmed from Rathi’s third Level 1 breach of the IPL Code of Conduct under Article 2.5, which relates to provocative gestures or actions toward dismissed batters. His now-infamous “notebook” celebration, where he mimics jotting something down in an imaginary notebook after taking a wicket, was flagged in three separate matches this season.
What’s the Meaning Behind Digvesh Rathi “Notebook” Celebration?
For those wondering about the Digvesh Rathi celebration meaning, the gesture is not random. It’s symbolic—a confident, signature move where he “writes down” the name of the batter he’s just dismissed. It’s about marking a personal milestone, showing focus and pride, and connecting with fans.
The inspiration? Former West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard, who popularized a similar style during his time with Mumbai Indians. Rathi’s brother, Sunny Rathi, confirmed in a statement that the celebration was meant to boost his confidence and energize him on the field—not to mock or provoke.
Timeline of Code of Conduct Violations
1. April 1, 2025 – LSG vs Punjab Kings
- Incident: Dismissed Priyansh Arya and performed the notebook gesture with body contact.
- Penalty: 25% match fee fine (₹1,87,500) and 1 demerit point.
- Context: First warning; Rathi claimed no intent to provoke.
2. April 4, 2025 – LSG vs Mumbai Indians
- Incident: Repeated the celebration after dismissing Naman Dhir, though he maintained distance.
- Penalty: 50% match fee fine (₹3,75,000) and 2 demerit points (total: 3).
- Response: Claimed he misunderstood the earlier warning.
3. May 19, 2025 – LSG vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Incident: Dismissed Abhishek Sharma (59 off 20), did the celebration with an intense glare and fiery send-off, triggering a verbal spat.
- Penalty: 50% match fee fine (₹3,75,000) and 2 more demerit points (total: 5).
- Outcome: Automatic one-match suspension under IPL rules.
Financial Impact on Digvesh Rathi
With a per-match IPL salary of ₹7.5 lakh, Rathi has so far been fined a total of ₹9,37,500—about a third of his season earnings. His suspension caused him to miss LSG’s clash against Gujarat Titans on May 22, 2025, in Ahmedabad, a big blow considering he’s been the team’s top wicket-taker this season.
Player Profile: Who Is Digvesh Rathi?
- Full Name: Digvesh Singh Rathi
- Born: December 15, 1999
- Role: Spinner
- Domestic Team: Delhi
- IPL Team: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- IPL 2025 Stats: 14 wickets in 12 matches, avg 28.07, economy 8.18
- Debut: Against Delhi Capitals (wicket of Axar Patel in 3rd ball)
- Auction Price: ₹30 lakh
- Estimated Net Worth: ₹1 crore
Abhishek Sharma’s Reaction and Resolution
Interestingly, the altercation with Abhishek Sharma also led to disciplinary action. Sharma was fined 25% of his match fee and got one demerit point for charging at Rathi after the celebration. However, post-match, the players resolved their issues, with assistance from LSG coach Vijay Dahiya and BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla. Sharma later stated, “I spoke to him after the game, and it is all good now.”
Even Rathi seems to be adapting. In a later game against KKR, he altered his gesture—writing on the grass instead of toward the batter—a move that avoided further penalties.
What’s Next for Digvesh Rathi?
Despite LSG being out of playoff contention, Rathi is expected to return for the team’s final league game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 27, 2025. But with five demerit points on his record—and the IPL rulebook stating that eight points trigger a two-match ban—he’ll need to walk a fine line going forward.
Digvesh Rathi suspended news isn’t just about discipline—it’s also a conversation starter about how young cricketers navigate fame, passion, and the fine line between celebrating and provoking. And while the Digvesh Rathi celebration meaning was never rooted in disrespect, this experience may help the Delhi spinner mature both on and off the field.
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