Digvesh Rathi Faces Severe Punishment For His Antics During LSG vs SRH Game

Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi has been suspended for the team’s next league-stage match after receiving additional demerit points for breaching the Code of Conduct in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League. The incident occurred during a heated exchange with Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Monday.

In addition to the suspension, Rathi has also been fined 50 percent of his match fee, while Sharma has been fined 25% of his match fee. Both the youngsters were involved in a verbal altercation against each other during the game, which prompted the umpires and LSG teammates to calm them down. However, the match referee saw this as a breach of code of conduct and slapped a huge fine on Rathi.

Digvesh Rathi Suspension

The incident happened during the eighth over of the LSG vs SRH match when Digvesh Rathi removed Abhishek Sharma and brought out his traditional notebook celebration. The celebration has already cost him the valuable match fees two times before in the tournament. However, Rathi couldn't stop himself from bringing that out again.

However, Abhishek wasn't pleased with Rathi's behavior, and it resulted in a brutal exchange of words between the two of them. The umpires had to intervene to stop both the players, and LSG captain Rishabh Pant also tried to calm things down. Abhishek eventually walked off after scoring a brisk 59 off just 20 balls, which included 4 fours and 6 sixes.

After the match, Rathi was fined 50% of his match fees while Abhishek was fined 25%. This is not the first time Rathi has broken the code. It is his third Level 1 offence this season. He got one demerit point against Punjab Kings on April 1. He received two more demerit points against Mumbai Indians on April 4. Now, after this incident, he has picked up two more demerit points, taking his total to five.
According to new IPL rules, five demerit points mean a one-match suspension. Rathi will miss LSG's next match against Gujarat Titans. It is a big blow for them as Rathi has been their best bowler of the tournament.

Digvesh Rathi, Abhishek Sharma Laugh it Off

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla had to step in to help calm the situation. After the game, both Rathi and Abhishek were seen continuing the argument during handshakes. Shukla spoke to both players and helped them sort out the issue. Later, pictures of Shukla speaking to Rathi and Abhishek went viral on social media. Reports suggest both players have now made peace and moved on.
Rathi’s notebook celebration has become very popular this season. The 25-year-old spinner from Delhi has used it after several key wickets. But this time, the added gesture upset Abhishek. As a result, he faces a ban of one match and won't be available for LSG's next match against Gujarat Titans.

LSG Out of IPL 2025

Although SRH were already out of the playoffs race, they ended LSG’s hopes officially as well. This loss ended a disappointing season for the Lucknow team. LSG batted first and put up a strong total of 205/6. Mitchell Marsh scored 65 and Aiden Markram made 61. Together, they added 115 runs for the first wicket. Later, Nicholas Pooran chipped in with a quick 45. However, skipper Rishabh Pant failed to score again and was dismissed for just 7 runs.

In response, SRH chased down the target in just 18.2 overs. Abhishek Sharma led the side with a quick 59, while Heinrich Klaasen scored 47 runs. Ishan Kishan and Kamindu Mendis also contributed with scores of 35 and 32, respectively. It has been a disappointing season not only for LSG but also for Rishabh Pant. The star wicketkeeper-batter scored only 135 runs in 12 matches, below a strike rate of 100. It was an unexpected performance from him, as he is also the most expensive player in the history of the league.