IPL 2025: Who Is Digvesh Rathi? The LSG Bowler Who Made Headlines With His Unique ‘notebook’ Celebration

In a season brimming with global stars and multi-millionaire marquee players, few stories have captured the imagination of fans quite like that of Digvesh Rathi. The 25-year-old Delhi-born leg-spinner has emerged not only as one of the breakout stars of IPL 2025 for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) but also as a player unafraid to stir the pot – both with his bowling and his fiery celebrations. Whether it’s bamboozling seasoned batters or pulling off notebook-style send-offs that ignite social media, Rathi is a cricketer who plays with his heart on his sleeve.

This is the story of a young man who turned obscurity into spotlight, and hard-earned grit into an IPL headline act.

The Notebook Celebration That Set the Internet Ablaze

It all began with a wicket. In an intense mid-season clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rathi dismissed Priyansh Arya with a beautifully tossed-up delivery that dipped and turned just enough to castle the stumps. What followed was a celebration that shook the IPL.

Channeling West Indies pacer Kesrick Williams, Digvesh mimicked pulling out an invisible notebook and jotting down Arya’s name – a visual metaphor that he was keeping count. The clip went viral in seconds.

But not everyone was amused.

The IPL governing body slapped Rathi with a 25% fine on his match fees for breaching the league’s code of conduct. Critics called it unnecessary flamboyance, questioning the need for such “antics” in the gentleman’s game.

If they expected an apology, Rathi had other plans.

In the very next match against Mumbai Indians (MI), after sending Naman Dhir back to the dugout, Digvesh performed the same celebration – this time, with even more flair. The punishment was harsher: a 50% match fee deduction and two demerit points. Still, the message was clear. This was Rathi’s brand of cricket. Unapologetic. Intense. Expressive.

The cricketing world was divided – but they were all watching.

Born in Delhi, Raised on Grit

Born on December 15, 1999, in Delhi, Rathi grew up far from the glitz of elite academies or junior national call-ups. He wasn’t a prodigy. There were no headlines, no U-19 fame, no overnight success. Just a quiet, persistent dreamer with a tennis ball, a patch of cement, and endless hours of imagination.

The son of a school teacher and a homemaker, Rathi’s middle-class upbringing shaped his discipline. He didn’t crave fame; he craved improvement. Coaches early in his journey recall a boy who’d bowl hours after scheduled nets ended, perfecting flight, pace variation, and grip changes.

His zodiac sign, Sagittarius, often associated with fearlessness and adventure, seems fitting. Digvesh wasn’t waiting to be discovered – he was crafting a story the hard way.

2017: The First Step into Professionalism

Rathi’s cricketing career officially began in 2017 when he entered the grind of local league cricket. This was where the foundation was laid. Without cameras or crowds, he learned the art of survival and skill development. He was the guy staying behind after practice, studying videos of Sunil Narine, Shane Warne, and Rashid Khan.

Those years weren’t glamorous, but they were golden – slow, deliberate steps toward mastery. While others sought instant fame, Rathi played the long game. It was during this phase that he also refined the mental toughness that now defines his on-field presence.

KKR Net Bowler to DPL Star

A major turning point came when Digvesh was selected as a net bowler for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). While it wasn’t a headline-grabbing opportunity, it provided invaluable exposure. He bowled to the likes of Andre Russell and Nitish Rana and got to observe world-class players from close quarters.

But it was the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2024 that proved to be his breakout moment.

Playing for South Delhi Superstarz, he picked up 14 wickets in 10 matches, maintaining an economy rate under 8. His control and guile under pressure turned heads. What impressed most was his temperament – unflustered by pressure, he thrived in clutch moments, outsmarting batters with his variations.

The IPL scouts took notice.

Domestic Debut & IPL Call-up: The Dream Realised

Rathi’s hard work finally bore fruit when he was selected for Delhi in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He wasn’t just a debutant; he was a revelation. In just a few games, his ability to read batters and adapt his length won him praise from pundits and coaches alike.

The timing was perfect. Just weeks before the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Digvesh Rathi was now a name on every franchise’s radar. In a highly competitive auction room, Lucknow Super Giants secured his services for INR 30 lakhs – a modest price, but one that carried the weight of years of perseverance.

For Digvesh, the money didn’t matter. The badge did.

IPL 2025: Rising Star in LSG’s Arsenal

The Lucknow Super Giants were in need of a game-changer in the middle overs, and Rathi delivered. From his very first game, he showed poise beyond his years. He picked up key wickets, varied his pace brilliantly, and most importantly – never backed down from a challenge.

In a tight contest against Mumbai Indians, with players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya at the crease, Digvesh’s spell (4-0-21-1) was crucial in shifting momentum. He was named Player of the Match, making him one of the few uncapped players to achieve that in the season.

But beyond the wickets, what made fans rally behind him was his presence. He wasn’t intimidated by senior players. He celebrated each scalp with passion. He walked with a swagger that could rival international veterans. IPL 2025 had found a new entertainer – one with bite.

A Low-Key Digital Life in a High-Profile World

In an era where most cricketers chase Instagram likes and endorsement deals, Rathi is an anomaly. His social media profile is barebones. On Instagram, he follows just 10 accounts – a mix of close friends, teammates like Ayush Badoni, and LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka. No Rohit Sharma. No Virat Kohli. No cricketing gods.

It speaks volumes about his mindset.

For Digvesh, cricket is work, passion, and purpose – not a marketing tool. His approach suggests a deep-rooted focus and humility. He’s not chasing virality. He’s chasing victory.

Sunil Narine: The Hero Behind the Scenes

If there’s one man who unknowingly shaped Digvesh Rathi’s journey, it’s Sunil Narine. Watching Narine dismantle batters in IPL matches planted the first seeds of inspiration in Digvesh’s mind.

But it wasn’t just the mystery deliveries that fascinated him.

What struck Rathi most was Narine’s composure. His stillness under pressure. His lack of celebration even after big wickets. The quiet predator.

In Rathi’s words from a post-match interview:
“When I watched Narine, I understood that spin is a weapon of the mind. You can’t just bowl good balls—you have to win battles. That’s what I try to do now.”

Rathi has adopted Narine’s mindset, but with his own flair. He’s more expressive, but equally calculating. And if early signs are any indication, he’s on his way to becoming India’s next spin sensation.

Controversy, Swagger, and the X-Factor

As with any player who challenges norms, Digvesh Rathi’s rise hasn’t been free of controversy. His notebook send-offs, his verbal jibes on-field, and his in-your-face attitude have drawn criticism. But they’ve also drawn fans.

In a game where so much is scripted, Digvesh brings authenticity.

Some see arrogance. Others see courage.

Either way, he’s hard to ignore.

What’s Next for Rathi?

The road ahead is wide open. With India eyeing the T20 World Cup 2026, selectors will be watching the IPL closely. If Rathi continues his upward curve, a national cap may not be far away. He has the skill, the temperament, and the x-factor that selectors crave.

More importantly, he has the hunger. The kind that can’t be coached.

Whether it’s bowling out world-class batters, celebrating with cheeky notebook gestures, or quietly reflecting in his hotel room post-match, Digvesh Rathi is shaping up to be one of the defining players of the new IPL era.

Final Word: A New Star, A New Standard

Digvesh Rathi is more than a viral celebration. He’s a symbol of persistence, authenticity, and fearless expression. In a tournament where big names often cast shadows, he’s creating light with every spell he bowls.

Cricket needs characters. IPL needs storytellers. India needs spinners who can turn the tide.

In Digvesh Rathi, they may have found all three.

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