Digvesh Rathi, a teenage spin wonder for the Lucknow Super Giants, has become one of the most talked-about players of the 2025 Indian Premier League, and not just because of his bowling. Rathi’s peculiar and now-famous ‘notebook celebration’ has generated a lot of attention on and off the pitch, even if it resulted in harsh penalties from IPL authorities.
Rathi once again stole the show on Sunday against the Mumbai Indians at the legendary Wankhede Stadium. He sent the audience into a frenzy by using his signature act, which is to pretend to jot something in an imaginary notebook, after rejecting the threatening Ryan Rickelton for a gritty 58.
How It All Started
Earlier this season, after a match between LSG and Punjab Kings, Rathi’s celebration gained attention. He made his maiden use of the “notebook” technique after capturing the vital wicket of opener Priyansh Arya.
At first, spectators thought it was funny and cheeky, but match officials didn’t find it funny at all. Rathi received a Level 1 demerit point and a 25% match fee penalties (Rs 1,87,500) for the behaviour, which they considered unsportsmanlike.
Defiance Continues
Rathi did it again during a heated match against the Mumbai Indians four days later, unfazed by the warning and penalties. The same provocative approach was used to commemorate the dismissal of Naman Dhir.
He received another Level 1 infraction, increasing his season-long demerit points to three, and a 50% match fee punishment (Rs 3,75,000) from the IPL’s disciplinary committee, who clamped down even harder this time.
In total, Digvesh Rathi has been fined a staggering Rs 5,62,500 for his repeated “notebook” antics.
| Incident | Opponent | Fine Imposed | Action Taken |
| First Notebook Celebration | Punjab Kings | Rs 1,87,500 | 25% fine + 1 demerit point |
| Second Notebook Celebration | Mumbai Indians | Rs 3,75,000 | 50% fine + 2nd Level 1 offence |
| Total Penalty So Far | – | Rs 5,62,500 | 3 demerit points accumulated |
Fans React: “Yeh Nahi Sudhrega!”
Rathi’s stubbornness to back down has sparked a flurry of memes, jokes, and contentious discussions on social media.
Words like “Yeh nahi sudhrega” (He won’t change) have come to represent Rathi’s character on the pitch.
His rebellious nature is admired by some fans, who see it as a welcome diversion from the sometimes sterile festivities of contemporary cricket.
Others contend that respect for opponents and the spirit of the game must always come first, even when emotion is acceptable.
It’s certainly fun, but there’s a fine line between giggling and jeering. A veteran Indian cricket player wrote, “Rathi needs to exercise caution.”
Meanwhile, memes that show Rathi “taking notes on opponents” or “writing” penalties into his made-up notebook have gone popular.
What’s Next for Digvesh Rathi?
Rathi is unabashedly himself in spite of the monetary losses and the possibility of suspension if he keeps accruing demerit points.
Even management has told him to “tone it down,” according to team sources, but the young spinner maintains that it’s just a part of who he is as a player.
Digvesh Rathi will be the centre of attention as the IPL 2025 reaches its pivotal stage, not just for his bowling prowess but also to see whether the “notebook” makes another spectacular appearance.
Digvesh Rathi is here to stay, and he won’t be putting that notepad away anytime soon, whether you like it or not!
The Bigger Picture: Impact on Future Generations
A new breed of young cricket players who aren’t scared to inject individuality into the game are also being inspired by Rathi’s audacity.
Players like Rathi remind everyone that cricket is changing and that maybe a little swagger is just what the current game needs while the cricketing elite argues about how much to celebrate.
