New Delhi: During a critical IPL match on Monday night in Hyderabad, the clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) took center stage as tempers flared. LSG bowler Digvesh Rathi, known for his controversial celebrations, engaged in a heated exchange with SRH opener Abhishek Sharma, leading to disciplinary actions against both players.
In the eighth over, with SRH needing to chase down 206 runs, Abhishek was in fine form, scoring 59 runs off just 20 balls. LSG captain Rishabh Pant called upon Rathi to turn the tide, and he succeeded immediately, catching Abhishek and ending his explosive innings.
Following the wicket, Rathi performed his signature ‘notebook’ celebration, pretended to write in the air, and glared at a departing Sharma, which sparked a confrontation.
The provocative gesture angered Sharma, prompting him to confront Rathi, resulting in a verbal spat before teammates and umpires intervened to prevent escalation. Fueled by adrenaline from his successful wicket, Rathi maintained his intensity while Sharma responded defiantly. Their tension was further evident during post-match handshakes, where LSG’s assistant coach Vijay Dahiya and BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla attempted to mediate.
The IPL’s disciplinary committee quickly penalized Rathi, who had already faced previous violations of Article 2.5 of the league’s Code of Conduct. He received a 50 percent fine of his match fee and a one-match ban, marking his third Level 1 infraction this season, thus missing LSG’s final match against the Gujarat Titans. Sharma, on the other hand, was fined 25 percent of his match fee for this being his first breach this season.
This incident not only leaves LSG without their key spinner during a crucial game but also casts a shadow on Rathi’s promising debut season, where he has taken 14 wickets, ranking him 12th in the IPL purple cap leaderboard. For SRH, despite the win, the focus shifted from their successful chase to the on-field altercation.
Former cricketer Suresh Raina criticized Rathi’s repeated offenses and the public clash between the two players. He remarked on Rathi’s mounting fines and the negative portrayal of two Indian cricketers in a heated exchange.
After the match, Abhishek downplayed the altercation, saying it was “all good” with Rathi. He emphasized that their strategy for chasing such a high target was clear, expressing confidence in his performance and its impact on the team’s success.
Repeat Offender
Rathi’s ‘notebook’ celebration has increasingly become a part of his identity but has also repeatedly led to disciplinary issues. This season alone, he has violated Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct thrice, raising concerns about his on-field behavior. The article outlines actions or gestures that may provoke aggressive reactions or could be considered disparaging to a dismissed player.
His past infractions include receiving demerit points for similar gestures and confrontations with opposing players. While some might view it as youthful exuberance, umpires and the IPL’s disciplinary panel have deemed it a pattern of provocation that must be addressed. With a suspension on his record and LSG’s playoff hopes fading, a pressing question arises: will Rathi learn to channel his aggression positively moving forward?
