It is hard to be a spinner, especially a leg-spinner, in a batting cauldron that is the Indian Premier League (IPL). But then there are some great talents like Digvesh Rathi, who startled everyone with a superb maiden season. Bought for just Rs 30 lac by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rathi instantly made an impact before even outshining former world number one T20I leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
However, Rathi just didn’t make headlines during IPL 2025 for his wickets. It was his celebrations that were fascinating to witness, too. His now-famous “notebook celebration”, where he mimics jotting down a batter’s name, was deemed provocative by match officials. He was fined twice: first, 25% of his match fee for celebrating after dismissing Priyansh Arya, and then 50% for repeating it against MI’s Naman Dhir. The total fines amounted to INR 9.37 lakh.
According to reports, even his own IPL captain, Rishabh Pant, tried to dissuade him from celebrating that way to avoid further penalties or even a possible suspension. At one point, it seemed like LSG fielders were subconsciously denying him wickets to avoid the entire saga.
Digvesh Rathi to do his celebrations at IPL 2026?
Now, going into the IPL 2026, there is buzz around Rathi as to how he will turn up. Will he continue to shine? Will he continue with the celebrations? Will he get banned again by the BCCI? Well, Rathi won’t bog down from letting his intentions know this season as well.
Fascinatingly, he has been backed by his captain Rishabh Pant, who wants Rathi to be his authentic self. However, he has warned the leg spinner to not get banned this time around. “The only thing Rishabh bhai and the management have told me is ‘you continue being your most authentic self, but just don’t get banned.'” Rathi said while speaking to ESPNcricinfo.
Rathi had a valid point to make as he questioned the bias towards the batters. He feels that if a batter can celebrate his century by putting his helmet on top of the bat, he has his right to make a harmless notebook celebration.
“That was my first year and I didn’t know the expectations,” Rathi said. “I didn’t intend to disrespect anyone then and neither do I want to now. But nobody can stop me from celebrating. If a batter can celebrate after scoring a hundred by putting their helmet on top of their bat and so on, then I can celebrate too.”
Now a lead spinner at LSG, much will be expected of him this season. There’s no way he can be banned, as the Lucknow franchise would want him to play all the games. Pant, who knows him from Delhi cricket, backs Rathi to the tilt. Last year, Rathi was a revelation, having taken 13 wickets at an economy of 8.25. With the carrom ball, hard lengths and stump-to-stump bowling, Rathi is a T20 specialist and would love to go one step further this season.
List of Digvesh Rathi’s notebook celebration at IPL 2025
| Match | Batter Dismissed | Celebration Details | Disciplinary Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Punjab Kings (April 1) | Priyansh Arya | First instance of the “notebook” celebration; originated from a friendly pact | Fined 25% of match fees; 1 demerit point |
| vs Mumbai Indians (April 4) | Naman Dhir | Repeated full “notebook” send-off shortly after first fine | Fined 50% of match fees; 2 demerit points |
| vs Kolkata Knight Riders (April 8) | Sunil Narine | Modified to “writing on the grass” after meeting Narine | No punishment from BCCI |
| vs Mumbai Indians (April 27) | Ryan Rickelton | Continued modified “writing on the ground” version | No new fine reported |
| vs Punjab Kings (May 4) | Shreyas Iyer & Prabhsimran Singh | Returned to original “notebook” celebration for both wickets | Risked further suspension |
| vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 19) | Abhishek Sharma | Celebration followed by heated on-field exchange | Fined 50% of match fees; 2 demerit points; 1-match suspension |
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