Digvesh Rathi risks IPL ban after repeating controversial notebook celebration against KKR

Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi has landed in trouble again. He repeated his notebook celebration after dismissing Sunil Narine in a fiery IPL 2025 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. The match took place at Eden Gardens, and Rathi’s act has now pushed him to four demerit points — enough to trigger a one-match suspension.

Rathi dismisses Narine and celebrates with signature act

KKR were chasing a massive 239. Narine opened alongside Quinton de Kock and went hard from the start. Even after de Kock fell early, Narine and Ajinkya Rahane kept the momentum going.

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant brought in Rathi to break the stand. The young spinner didn’t disappoint. On his second delivery, Rathi tossed up a wide googly. Narine went for a big shot, but the ball landed safely in long-off’s hands. It was a big breakthrough for LSG.

Rathi celebrated in typical fashion. He dropped to one knee and mimicked signing his name on the pitch. This celebration — though toned down — mirrored his earlier controversial “notebook celebration.”

While Rathi didn’t confront Narine directly, the gesture still caught the eyes of match officials. They viewed it as provocative and against the IPL Code of Conduct.

Rathi hits four demerit points and risks suspension

The officials fined Rathi under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct. This clause deals with gestures that can provoke or insult a dismissed batter. This time, Rathi received another demerit point.

Now, he has four demerit points. That’s the limit. One more offence will lead to an automatic one-match suspension.

This wasn’t his first offence this season. Rathi pulled out the notebook celebration after dismissing Punjab Kings’ Priyansh Arya. That earned him a 25% match fee fine and one demerit point.

Later, he repeated the gesture against Naman Dhir of Mumbai Indians. That time, he received a 50% fine and two more demerit points.

After this recent celebration, Rathi has hit the limit. Any further mistake will bench him for a match — a major blow to LSG during the business end of the season.

Rathi idolizes Narine but risks reputation

Ironically, Rathi has always looked up to Sunil Narine. In several interviews, he has called Narine his biggest inspiration. He even credited Narine for inspiring him to take up spin bowling as a teenager.

However, dismissing his idol has turned into a controversy. Instead of being remembered as a proud moment, it now risks his reputation and availability.

Still, Rathi made a solid impact in the game. His timely breakthrough slowed KKR’s run chase. Eventually, LSG pulled off a tight win and kept their playoff hopes alive.

BCCI monitoring closely as LSG may intervene

The BCCI is now keeping a close watch on Rathi’s behaviour. With the spinner one step away from suspension, LSG’s team management may need to step in. They may ask him to tone down celebrations for the rest of the tournament.

Fans love Rathi’s flair and passion. But repeated disciplinary issues may hurt both his image and LSG’s campaign.

Rathi will be available for LSG’s next match. But the threat of a one-match suspension now looms large. He’ll need to stay disciplined if he wants to finish the season without missing a game.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram