The Indian Premier League (IPL) is no stranger to flamboyant displays and high-voltage drama, but Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Rathi may have pushed the boundaries too far—again. Known for his now-infamous ‘notebook’ celebration, Rathi has once more come under the scanner following his animated send-offs in the recent IPL 2025 clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and LSG in Dharamsala.
In a high-scoring contest that saw tension and excitement boil over, Rathi picked up two crucial wickets—PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer and the in-form Prabhsimran Singh, who was batting on 91. In both dismissals, Rathi pulled out his signature move: miming a pen and jotting something down in an invisible notebook—a celebration many see as mocking and unsporting, especially when directed at departing batters.
A Pattern of Provocation: The History of the Notebook Celebration
What began as a cheeky, crowd-pleasing act has now escalated into a disciplinary concern for the league. Rathi has already been fined and penalized multiple times this season for the same behavior:
- In an earlier match against Punjab Kings, Rathi celebrated in a similar fashion after dismissing Priyansh Arya. The act earned him a 25% match fee fine and one demerit point under the IPL’s Code of Conduct.
- Later, during a fixture against Mumbai Indians, he repeated the celebration after dismissing a batter—this time leading to a 50% fine and two more demerit points.
- Against Kolkata Knight Riders, Rathi toned down the celebration significantly, avoiding official reprimand. However, his reputation for on-field antics continued to grow.
With three demerit points already on his record, one more infraction will automatically trigger a one-match suspension under the IPL’s disciplinary guidelines.
What Could Happen Next?
Rathi’s decision to once again pull out the notebook celebration—this time with full flair—has placed him on a knife’s edge. The IPL’s match referee is reportedly reviewing footage and could take swift action.
Possible Consequences:
1. One-Match Suspension- A fourth demerit point will result in an immediate one-game ban, which could severely hurt LSG’s campaign as the tournament nears its playoff stage. Rathi has been a reliable wicket-taker this season, and his absence could disrupt the team’s balance, especially in spin-friendly conditions.
2. Heavier Fines or Match-Day Exclusions- If officials deem the act to be a repeated violation of the league’s spirit-of-the-game guidelines, fines could increase significantly—or the league could even push for a temporary exclusion pending further review.
3. Damage to Professional Reputation- Beyond match-day consequences, Rathi risks earning a reputation as a serial provocateur, something that could influence how future coaches, selectors, and sponsors perceive him. While showmanship has a place in modern cricket, consistent disregard for boundaries of respect and sportsmanship rarely ends well in the long run.
Why It Matters: The Line Between Passion and Provocation
Rathi’s situation reignites the ongoing debate about expression vs. excess in modern cricket. There is no doubt that cricket has evolved to embrace personality, flair, and crowd engagement. From Imran Tahir’s marathon sprints to Sheldon Cottrell’s salute, celebrations have become part of the spectacle. But they must not cross the line into taunting or disrespecting opponents.
The IPL Code of Conduct is clear: celebrations should not be directed at batters or used in a way that could be deemed offensive or provocative. Rathi’s notebook celebration, depending on intent and context, may fall into that gray area—especially when repeated after prior warnings.
What LSG and Rathi Should Do
The onus is now on Digvesh Rathi and the LSG management to take preemptive steps. Internally curbing such behavior and issuing a public clarification or apology could ease tensions with match officials and the media.
Alternatively, Rathi might consider rebranding his celebration. Channeling that same energy into a non-provocative gesture—perhaps a neutral team-based move—could preserve his individuality while staying within the league’s behavioral code.
Final Thoughts
Digvesh Rathi has emerged as one of the more promising spinners in IPL 2025, but if he wants to make a lasting career at the top level, he will need to balance his passion with discipline. The notebook celebration, while iconic, now risks becoming the reason for his downfall rather than his rise.
With the IPL entering a critical phase, Rathi and LSG can hardly afford a suspension. Whether he will adjust his behavior or test the league’s patience again remains to be seen.
