In a surprising turn of events, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi has been reprimanded by the Indian Premier League (IPL) for breaching the Code of Conduct. The incident occurred during LSG’s match against Punjab Kings on April 1, 2025, where Rathi was the only bowler to pick up wickets for his side. His impressive performance, however, was overshadowed by a controversial celebration that led to the sanction.

The Controversial Celebration

Rathi, after dismissing his former Delhi teammate, Priyansh Arya, in the first over, celebrated in a manner reminiscent of Kesrick Williams' iconic 'ticking it off the notebook' gesture. While it appeared to be a playful act between friends, it did not sit well with the IPL Governing Council. The gesture, which involved Rathi mimicking the action of crossing off Arya’s name from a metaphorical notebook, was deemed inappropriate and disruptive by the officials.

Despite the friendly rivalry between the two cricketers, the umpire was forced to intervene, which led to the IPL stepping in to impose sanctions on the bowler. The IPL governing body took this breach seriously, imposing a fine of 25% of his match fees and a demerit point on Rathi's record. Rathi accepted the sanction, with a release from the IPL confirming that his admission to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 made the match referee's decision final and binding.

Rathi's Role in LSG's Loss

Rathi's actions off the field aside, he was one of the few standout performers for LSG during their crushing defeat to Punjab Kings. Although he did manage to dismiss Prabhsimran Singh, the Player of the Match, his efforts came too late in the game. LSG’s bowling attack failed to find the rhythm required to challenge the Punjab Kings’ chase. The Punjab team easily chased down the 172-run target without significant contributions from their overseas players, highlighting the lack of penetration in LSG’s bowling attack.

Rathi's fellow bowlers, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, and Shardul Thakur, struggled throughout the match, with Bishnoi’s noticeable drop in form and Thakur and Khan failing to make any impact in the powerplay. The LSG bowlers' inability to stem the flow of runs allowed the Punjab batters to cruise towards the target.

Broader Concerns for LSG

This loss adds to the growing concerns surrounding LSG's performance in the IPL 2025 season. With only one win from three matches, the team has found itself under pressure, especially with its captain, Rishabh Pant, struggling for form. Pant has managed just 17 runs in three matches, which is another concern for the team, as they seek to find their footing in the tournament.

Looking ahead, LSG faces a tough challenge against Mumbai Indians, who have recently registered their first win of the season. As both teams look to secure crucial points, LSG will need to address its batting and bowling concerns and come up with a more balanced approach in the upcoming fixtures. The team’s ability to rebound from this loss will be key to their continued participation in IPL 2025.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Digvesh Singh Rathi's reprimand from the IPL adds a twist to an otherwise disappointing night for Lucknow Super Giants. His controversial celebration has sparked debate, but the team's struggles on the field are of greater concern. With several key players underperforming, LSG will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the IPL 2025 standings.

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