Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi had to face the brunt of the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) as has been slapped with a 1 match ban for his controversial celebration of Abhishek Sharma in their match versus Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on 19th May 2025.
Digvesh Singh Rathi, who is known for his wild and unique celebrations, was previously fined by BCCI for his “notebook” celebrations – first versus Punjab Kings (PBKS) and then against Mumbai Indians (MI).
Rathi was fined more than Rs. 50 lakhs for his unsportsmanlike behaviour and he was in the radar of the IPL officials. But he did not stop and kept continuing those celebrations.
It crossed a line during the game on 19th May 2025 as he visibly took a go at Abhishek Sharma, after dismissing him. It didn’t sit well with the young opener – who was blasting his way to a sensation knock – and he got into a verbal altercation with the LSG bowler.
IPL officials gave their confirmation about him committing a Level 1 Offence and collecting 5 Demerit Points.
“This was his third Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 this season and hence, he has accumulated Two Demerit Points, in addition to Three Demerit Points he had accumulated earlier – One Demerit Point against Punjab Kings on April 01, 2025 and Two Demerit Points against Mumbai Indians on April 04, 2025,” read a statement from the League.
As he now has Five Demerit Points this season – which result in a one-game suspension – Digvesh will now be suspended for LSG’s next game – against Gujarat Titans on May 22, 2025 in Ahmedabad. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding,” the statement read further.
Abhishek Sharma set the foundation for an emphatic SRH win
The 24-year-old cricketer played a whirlwind knock of 59 runs in 20 deliveries and it was packed with 4 fours and 6 sixes. Abhishek Sharma powered SRH to their 4th win of the season – in otherwise what has been a disappointing run for The Orange Army.
SRH’s poor campaign was severely affected by their unpredictable batting department. The opening department couldn’t replicate their IPL 2024 success and the middle-order looked extremely fragile and weak.
SRH have 2 games remaining in their IPL 2025 sojourn. They lock horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on 23rd May 2025 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium and then cross swords with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on 25th May 2025.
