Tensions flared in Lucknow as Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma and Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi got into a heated exchange during the 61st match of IPL 2025 on Monday, May 19, at the Ekana Stadium. Abhishek, who had been struggling for form in recent games, came out all guns blazing against the Rishabh Pant-led LSG side.
The young left-hander showcased his aggressive intent from ball one, taking the attack to the bowlers and dominating the powerplay. He raced to 59 off just 20 balls, smashing four boundaries and six towering sixes in a brutal display of hitting.
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However, his blazing knock came to an end in the 8th over when Digvesh Rathi, introduced into the attack, outfoxed him with a cleverly flighted googly outside off-stump. Abhishek mistimed his shot while attempting to go over extra cover, and Shardul Thakur completed a safe catch in the deep.
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Digvesh Rathi, visibly pumped after taking the prized wicket, pulled out his signature notebook celebration and gave Abhishek a fierce send-off. That didn’t go down well with the SRH opener, who stopped mid-walk and had a few choice words for the spinner. What followed was a fiery exchange as both players closed in and exchanged verbal volleys, visibly frustrated.
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The umpires, along with players from both sides, had to intervene and calm the situation before it escalated further. While such confrontations are rare in IPL, the high-stakes intensity of the playoffs race seems to be bringing out the emotions — and tempers — from all corners.
It remains to be seen if the match referee will take any disciplinary action for the on-field spat.
