Digvesh Singh Rathi has emerged as one of the most talked-about players for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025—not just for his impressive performances, but also for his now-infamous “notebook” celebration. The 25-year-old leg-spinner has picked up 14 wickets in 12 matches, making him LSG’s leading wicket-taker this season.
However, it’s his animated celebratory gesture—pretending to cross a name off an invisible notebook after each wicket—that has set social media buzzing and earned him disciplinary action from match officials. While fans have lapped up the theatrical flair, Rathi’s celebration has drawn criticism for being provocative.
In a video shared by LSG on their social media channels, Rathi explained the origin of his unique style: “Start yeh hai ki, jab bhi koi tournament hota hai, main notebook leke jaata hoon. Aur usme sabke naam likhne hain mujhe,” he said, revealing that he carries an actual notebook during tournaments to note down opponents’ names as a form of mental preparation.
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Things came to a head during LSG’s clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad when Rathi dismissed Abhishek Sharma and followed it with a fiery send-off using his trademark gesture.
Challan kaatne ka anokha raaz 👀 pic.twitter.com/93eR0G78ST
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 26, 2025
The moment sparked a verbal altercation, prompting umpire Michael Gough to intervene. That incident led to Rathi being handed a one-match suspension and a fine amounting to 50% of his match fee.
Having already violated the IPL Code of Conduct twice earlier—for similar celebrations against Priyansh Arya (Punjab Kings) and Naman Dhir (Mumbai Indians)—this marked his third offence under Article 2.5. He’s now accrued five demerit points and paid fines totalling ₹9.37 lakh, a significant chunk of his IPL salary.
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Despite the controversy, LSG are set to bring Rathi back into the playing XI for their final league encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Tuesday, May 27, hoping his aggression remains focused solely on the ball.
