'I've seen senior Indian players do way worse': Ex-Kiwi pacer defends Digvesh Rathi's 'notebook celebration'

'I've seen senior Indian players do way worse': Ex-Kiwi pacer defends Digvesh Rathi's 'notebook celebration'
Digvesh Rathi's celebrations in the IPL 2025.

Story Highlights:

Digvesh Rathi has been fined twice for breaching IPL code of conduct.

Simon Doull feels Digvesh Rathi is being made an example out of.

Digvesh Rathi is LSG's second highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025.

In his debut Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi has overshadowed former no.1 T20I bowler Ravi Bishnoi at Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, more than his exploits with the ball, the young spinner has made headlines for facing fines due to his 'notebook celebration'. If Rathi is booked again for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct, he may face suspension as well. On April 8, he found a different version of the 'notebook celebration' after dismissing his idol, Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) Sunil Narine. Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull has been impressed by the youngster and feels he is being made an example as senior Indian players have done 'much worse'.

“The team have got to be paying that (the fines). I don't like it. I love the celebrations, I don't think he has done anything at all wrong. I've seen senior Indian players do way worse, be in your face, and not get a fine. They are making an example out of a young man who is what, making a note in his notebook?” Doull told Cricbuzz. 

 

 

Digvesh was first booked when he gave his Delhi Superstarz teammate, Punjab Kings' (PBKS) young opener Priyansh Arya. He celebration in similar fashion when he got the wicket of Mumbai Indians' (MI) Naman Dhir at Wankhede Stadium. On April 9, he was seen with 'writing in the floor' celebration after Narine's wicket. 

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Digvesh, a purple cap contender

Digvesh is LSG's second-highest wicket-taker in the season after Shardul Thakur. He is one of the contenders for the purple cap as well. He was named 'Player of the match' against MI for his economical spell in a high-scoring encounter. 

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Shahbaz cautioned Digvesh

After three demerit points, his teammate Shahbaz Ahmed had urged him to not celebrate and risk getting banned. 

“Priyansh Arya is his very good friend..he did it on a friendly note, but since he is on the verge of suspension, I hope he doesn't repeat it,” he said.

 

 

LSG are placed fifth on the points table with three wins from five games. The Rishabh Pant-led side will now face Gujarat Titans at home on April 12.