‘Not for attention’- Digvesh Rathi breaks silent on ‘notebook’ celebration

Bowler Digvesh Rathi of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has been in the news ever since his spectacular IPL 2025 debut. On the pitch, the Delhi-born leg-break bowler has drawn notice for his trademark ‘notebook’ celebration, which has led to him getting into problems with the BCCI twice already this season.

When LSG played Punjab Kings (PBKS), the 25-year-old first displayed the Kesrick Williams-style notebook celebration after getting rid of left-handed batsman Priyansh Arya. In addition to receiving one demerit point, Rathi was fined 25% of his match fees for the act.

When Rathi took out Naman Dhir in the next match against the Mumbai Indians (MI), he repeated the celebration in spite of the warning. He could face a one-match suspension after the BCCI hit him harsher this time, fining him 50% of the match cost and giving him two demerit points.

Digvesh Rathi changed his celebration in the next game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), though.

He dismissed his hero, Sunil Narine, and then imitated the notebook motion by writing on the grass rather than in midair…. Interestingly, no disciplinary action was taken by the BCCI this time.

For the first time, Rathi spoke about the controversy and the criticism directed at his celebration. As for the bowler, his brother Sunny stressed the value of sportsmanship and cautioned him not to offend any players with his on-field celebrations.

I did enquire with Digvesh about it. I was informed that it inspires him. “All right,” I said, “if that improves your game, great, but don’t belittle any other player.” His goal is not to draw attention to himself. He wouldn’t even update his WhatsApp status, and he wasn’t really active on social media until recently. Sunny told Indian Express that he would ask, “What’s the point of updating your status when you don’t have one?”

The cricket player from Delhi initially gained attention for his outstanding play in the first Delhi Premier League (DPL) season, which led to an IPL contract. His services were acquired by LSG at the mega auction for INR 30 lakhs. With nine wickets taken at an outstanding economy rate of 7.43 thus far, he is now LSG’s second-highest wicket-taker of the season, trailing only Shardul Thakur, who has 11.