Published: May 29, 2025, 11:00 AM (IST)
Edited: May 29, 2025, 11:00 AM (IST)
Lucknow Super Giants spinner Digvesh Rathi had a standout season this IPL. However, despite his impressive performance, he was involved in multiple controversies due to his ‘ticking the notebook’ celebration.
Digvesh was not only fined but also banned for a match after he sent off Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Abhishek Sharma. However, legendary former India opener Virender Sehwag believes the punishment for Digvesh has been too severe, pointing out that players like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni have never faced such strict action for similar behaviour.
“I thought that the ban was a bit harsh. The boy is playing in his first year in the IPL. MS Dhoni had barged into the ground, he was not banned then. Virat Kohli has spoken to umpires in that tone, who knows how many times, he was also not banned. So, Digvesh Rathi could have been spared, because he is a young player, just coming into the scene, could have let that one go,” Sehwag said, speaking on Cricbuzz.
Digvesh once again made headlines on social media after running out Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end, though the appeal was later withdrawn by LSG captain Rishabh Pant. Digvesh’s actions raised questions about the ‘spirit of cricket.’
Pant was praised by many for ‘upholding’ the ‘spirit of cricket’ by withdrawing the appeal after Digvesh’s attempt to dismiss Jitesh. Renowned Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle voiced his disappointment that the incident sparked a debate over the ‘spirit of cricket.’
“I have no problem with the umpire turning down the appeal if he thinks the non-striker was inside the crease when the bowler’s arm had crossed the point where he is expected to release the ball. I am disappointed when the spirit of the game is invoked. You play by the laws,” Harsha posted on X (formerly Twitter).
