IPL 2025: Heroic Digvesh Rathi Plays Villain Again
The mystery spinner leads LSG's bowling effort against MI and also brings out his controversial celebration again
It was a night in which the Lucknow SuperGiants mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi showcased both his mysterious and spinning ways.
The leg-spinner, who has already made a mark for LSG with his impressive bowling this season, turned out a performance that proved to be the difference between winning and losing. He had figures of 4 for 21 in his allotted 4 overs. In contrast, all the other LSG bowlers went for 10 or above in their overs.
Rathi's inspired spell in the middle part did not allow MI to dictate terms, and it eventually fell short by 12 runs in pursuit of LSG's 2023 for 8. For his efforts, Rathi was rightly made the man of the match.
But in toting up another impressive performance, Rathi again sullied his copybook again. The 25-year-old spinner had copped a demerit point and a fine of 25% of his match fees after he did the 'notebook celebration' after dismissing PBKS' Priyansh Arya in the previous match.
One thought Rathi would have been chastened by that experience. As it happened, the impetuous Rathi was at it again against MI. After castling MI's Naman Dhir, who was threatening to explode, with a dream delivery for 46, Rathi brought out the notebook celebration.
This time though he didn't get in-your-face to the departing batsman, the controversial act in itself set off another round of chatter. His spirit and passion are understandable. He is in the line for emerging player of the IPL award. But such stupid shows may deny him the coveted honour.
The BCCI, which does not want young players to get carried away in the heat of the competition, may wield the stick again. Collection of demerit points, as Rathi had done in the previous match, can lead to further fines and even bans.
Even in Delhi Premier League 2024, in which Rathi took 14 wickets in 10 matches for his team Delhi Superstarz, Rathi was said to be provocative with his celebrations.
Rathi, who was picked by LSG at his base price of Rs 30 lakh, has already made a mark with his Sunil Narine-like action and deception. His bowling is doing the talking. A pity that he is also letting his controversial acts speak louder.
