Within the ever-evolving panorama of the Indian Premier League (IPL) recent faces are continuously rising, wanting to show their mettle in opposition to cricket’s best. Amongst them, Digvesh Rathi has carved a distinct segment for himself with each his spin wizardry and his now-infamous “pocket book celebration.”
Representing the Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG), the 25-year-old spinner from Delhi has turn into one of many standout performers of IPL 2025—taking key wickets and turning heads, not only for his bowling, but additionally for his daring and cheeky celebrations.
However whereas followers and teammates alike are having fun with the antics, the BCCI hasn’t been as amused, fining Rathi twice already and including demerit factors to his title. But, it appears the younger cricketer isn’t backing down. And not too long ago, when confronted by his cricketing idol, Sunil Narine, Rathi’s reply about his celebration left everybody in stitches.
Digvesh Rathi’s celebration that stirred the cricketing world
Rathi first pulled off the “pocket book celebration” after dismissing Priyansh Arya of Punjab Kings. A transfer popularized by West Indies pacer Kesrick Williams, the act entails pretending to jot one thing down in a pocket book—usually seen as a cheeky message to the batter. Whereas the gang liked it, the BCCI slapped Rathi with a 25% high-quality on his match payment, categorizing it as a Stage 1 offense underneath Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct.
Nevertheless, that didn’t cease him. Within the subsequent match in opposition to Mumbai Indians, Rathi repeated the transfer after claiming the wicket of Naman Dhir. The BCCI responded with a heavier hand—50% of his match payment fined and a further demerit level added, making it three in whole.
Nonetheless, Rathi’s on-field efficiency stays simple. With six wickets within the bag and an financial system charge of seven.62, he’s proving to be a key weapon in LSG’s arsenal.
Rathi meets his idol Sunil Narine and divulges his celebration secret
Following LSG’s victory over Mumbai Indians in Lucknow, the squad travelled to Kolkata to organize for his or her upcoming conflict with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Throughout a coaching session at Eden Gardens, Rathi’s second of goals got here true when LSG skipper Rishabh Pant launched him to none aside from Narine—his cricketing idol.
However the assembly didn’t go fairly how one may anticipate. Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and Narine shared a light-hearted second with the younger spinner. Pooran, with a teasing grin, requested Rathi, “So inform me one thing. He (Narine) doesn’t have a good time. Why do you have a good time?”
Rathi’s responded with a cool, deadpan saying “I’m from Delhi.” The easy but assured comment had Narine, Pant, and Pooran in matches of laughter. It was a glimpse into the character of a cricketer who, whereas underneath scrutiny, clearly isn’t letting the stress dim his spark. Pant adopted up with a hilarious quip, “He’s a ticket collector. He’s (Narine) a wicket collector. He’s writing the cheques.”
Right here’s the video:
POV: Lastly you met your idol 💜😄 pic.twitter.com/ynKB3VuVgi
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 6, 2025
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LSG to subsequent tackle the defending champions
As LSG gear as much as face KKR on April 8 at Eden Gardens—a match rescheduled from April 6—the focus will as soon as once more be on Rathi. With Narine probably on the opposing crew and the Eden crowd charged up, all eyes shall be on whether or not the younger Delhi spinner will unleash his pocket book as soon as extra—or discover a new option to steal the present.