Former Indian cricketer Yograj Singh has come out in the support of young Digvesh Singh Rathi after the conclusion of IPL 2025. The LSG spinner was fined thrice for his “celebration” on taking a wicket and was even suspended for a game. Yograj Singh believes that it is all in the sport and that youngsters must not be fined for such petty issues.
Yograj Singh backs Digvesh Rathi’s celebration
Speaking to InsideSport in an exclusive interview, Yograj pointed out that despite the exchange between the batter and the bowler, they were still friends at the end of the day.
“Come on man, don’t fine them. It’s okay. You are still friends with the bowlers. Everybody is not the same. Emotions go. Forgive them. Obviously, at the end of the day, you’re friends, if you say sorry, the matter is over. Have a big heart and don’t get into these petty things. What is this nonsense going on, fining kids,” Yograj Singh.
Yograj went on to cite two instances of when cricketers in the past hurled many abuses but were spared of any punishment as such. He recalled an instance when Steve Waugh had sledged Yuvraj Singh after the latter was floored on being hit by the ball. Yograj also cited Sunil Gavaskar’s example, pointing out that he was abused left, right and centre by West indies.
Rathi’s infamous notebook celebration
Rathi first did the notebook celebration in the game against PBKS after he dismissed Priyansh Arya. He earned 1 demerit point and was fined. He repeated the gesture in the game against MI after getting rid of Naman Dhir and was penalized with 2 demerit points and a fine again.
The final nail in the coffin came after Rathi did the same in the game against SRH after dismissing Abhishek Sharma. The LSG spinner was handed two more demerit points and was fined 50% of his match fee following a heated exchange between the duo. He was then suspended for LSG’s next game against GT.
