Digvesh Rathi’s Notebook Celebration Sparks Controversy in IPL 2025
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner DigveshRathi has become a focal point of controversy in IPL 2025 due to his unique “notebook” celebration after taking wickets. Despite being fined twice by the BCCI for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct, Rathi repeated the gesture during LSG’s match against Mumbai Indians (MI), where he dismissed NamanDhir in the ninth over. The celebration, inspired by West Indies pacer Kesrick Williams, involves pretending to jot down the batter’s name, which has drawn mixed reactions from fans and experts.
Rathi was first penalized during LSG’s clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) when he dismissed Priyansh Arya, his friend and former teammate from the Delhi Premier League. The playful banter earned him a 25% fine on his match fees and one demerit point. However, his recent repeat of the celebration against MI resulted in a doubled fine—50% of his match fees—and two additional demerit points under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct.
Former cricketer Simon Doull criticized the BCCI for targeting Rathi, claiming senior Indian players have done worse without repercussions. Despite the fines, Rathi remains undeterred, tweaking his celebration slightly to avoid further penalties while continuing to impress with his bowling performances.