Digvesh Rathi’s Hilarious Response Behind Notebook Celebration Leaves Sunil Narine, Rishabh Pant In Splits

In a tournament where legends are made and careers are unmade in a matter of overs, the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to be the most electrifying cricketing spectacle on the planet. With every edition, fresh faces emerge—brimming with hunger, heart, and an audacious desire to leave their mark. Among the breakout stars of IPL 2025, one name that has sparked admiration, controversy, and chuckles in equal measure is Digvesh Rathi, the 25-year-old left-arm spinner representing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Hailing from Delhi, Rathi is not just making noise with the ball—but also with a celebration that has drawn laughter from fans, ire from the BCCI, and curiosity from cricketing legends.

The Spin Wizard with a Cheeky Twist

Rathi’s rise through the domestic ranks wasn’t meteoric, but steady and built on grit. Known in the Delhi cricketing circuit for his deceptive flight and guile, Rathi earned his place in the LSG squad after impressing scouts with his accuracy and mental toughness during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. What no one quite anticipated, however, was that the spinner would become one of the IPL’s most talked-about characters—not just for his economy rate (7.62) and crucial wickets, but for what he does after taking them.

His now-infamous “notebook celebration” first came into the spotlight during LSG’s match against Punjab Kings, when Rathi dismissed promising batter Priyansh Arya. As Arya trudged back to the dugout, Rathi coolly pulled out an imaginary notebook and mimed writing something down.

The crowd erupted. Social media exploded. And the BCCI? Not as amused.

BCCI’s Stern Response—and Rathi’s Defiance

What may have been intended as a cheeky tribute to West Indies pacer Kesrick Williams—who made the “notebook” his signature—soon turned into a point of contention.

The BCCI slapped Rathi with a 25% match fee fine, citing it as a Level 1 offense under Article 2.5 of the IPL Code of Conduct, which deals with actions that could provoke a reaction from a dismissed batter. Fans on social media were divided—some celebrating the swagger, others calling for more humility.

But Rathi didn’t back down.

In the very next match against the Mumbai Indians, he once again produced the act—this time after snaring the wicket of Naman Dhir. This time, the fine doubled to 50%, and a third demerit point was added to his name. Three strikes in as many games—yet, the celebration continued.

In a league where every action is dissected and replayed, Rathi’s refusal to tone things down has only made him more magnetic.

A Meeting of Minds: Digvesh Rathi Meets His Idol

Following their victory over Mumbai Indians, LSG’s journey brought them to Kolkata, the fortress of defending champions KKR. As the team trained under the fading sun at Eden Gardens, a moment that Rathi had dreamt of finally arrived—he was introduced to his cricketing idol, Sunil Narine.

Rathi, like countless aspiring spinners, had studied Narine’s variations with almost religious zeal. But what transpired during their meeting wasn’t a coaching masterclass or a discussion about doosras. It was pure, candid locker-room hilarity.

Rishabh Pant, ever the mischief-maker, was the one to orchestrate the moment. Alongside Narine and Nicholas Pooran, Pant teased Rathi about his flamboyant celebration.

“So tell me something,” Pooran asked with a sly grin. “He (Narine) doesn’t celebrate. Why do you celebrate?”

Rathi, without missing a beat, shot back:

“I’m from Delhi.”

The trio—Narine, Pant, and Pooran—broke into laughter. Narine, known for his stoic demeanor on the field, was seen chuckling heartily, while Pant added his own quip:

“He’s a ticket collector. Narine’s a wicket collector. He is writing the cheques!”

In that light-hearted exchange, fans saw the real Digvesh Rathi—unfazed, witty, and wildly confident.

The Notebook Celebration: Statement or Stunt?

The debate around Rathi’s celebration goes beyond fines and headlines. Is it arrogance or attitude? Disrespect or swagger?

For many younger fans, Rathi represents the IPL spirit—bold, expressive, and unapologetically entertaining. He’s been compared to early-career Virat Kohli, with that same chip on the shoulder and drive to prove a point. His celebration isn’t about mocking the batter, say those close to him, but rather a personal ritual—a mental entry in a ledger of victories.

For the traditionalists and the BCCI, it’s a line crossed too far. Their clampdown is clearly aimed at setting an example. Yet, there’s a growing belief that the IPL thrives on characters, and silencing flair might be detrimental to the league’s soul.

On-Field Brilliance Justifying the Buzz

It’s easy to get caught up in the theatrics, but Rathi’s performances merit attention in their own right. With six wickets in four matches and an economy under 8, he’s become a go-to middle-over enforcer for LSG.

His variations—particularly the arm ball and his backspinning delivery—have outfoxed even experienced batters. His spell against MI turned the tide of the game, breaking partnerships and applying the squeeze just when LSG needed it.

Coach Justin Langer and captain Rishabh Pant have publicly backed him, praising his mental toughness and work ethic.

“He may look cheeky on TV, but this boy puts in the hours. He’s earned every bit of that celebration,” said Pant during a post-match press conference.

April 8 Showdown: The Eden Test

All eyes now turn to April 8.

LSG face off against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, in a fixture that was originally slated for April 6 but rescheduled due to heavy rains. The KKR vs LSG clash promises to be a battle of firepower and flair—and for Rathi, it’s more than just another game.

It’s the ultimate test: playing in front of Narine, at his home ground, against the defending champions.

Speculation is rife: Will Rathi dare to unleash the notebook again, especially if he dismisses a KKR bigwig? Or will he opt for something new—perhaps a mime of tearing a page out?

Either way, Rathi is now a marked man—not just for opposing teams planning to counter his bowling, but for broadcasters, fans, and the BCCI cameras waiting to catch his next move.

The Bigger Picture: A Star is Born

Whether or not Rathi continues with the notebook, one thing is certain—IPL 2025 has found one of its standout stories in him.

He’s proof that the IPL isn’t just a league—it’s a stage. A theater of dreams where performances don’t end at the boundary rope. Where players wear their personalities as proudly as their jerseys. And where a boy from Delhi can share laughs with legends and walk back with wickets, fines, and applause alike.

In a recent interview, Rathi was asked if he feared suspension should he cross another line.

“I don’t fear. I prepare,” he replied. “If they ban the notebook, I’ll find another page.”

Final Word: The Future of Flair in IPL

Digvesh Rathi is many things—a potent spinner, a charismatic figure, a lightning rod for debate—but above all, he is a product of the new IPL era. One that doesn’t shy away from swagger. One that embraces boldness, diversity, and flair.

As he prepares for his showdown at Eden Gardens, Rathi isn’t just bowling overs—he’s crafting a narrative. One celebration at a time.

And if history is any indicator, the notebook may yet have a few blank pages left—for the next batter, the next fine, or perhaps, the next unforgettable moment.

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