Digvesh Rathi’s Notebook Celebration After Removing Priyansh Arya In LSG Vs PBKS Clash At IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is no stranger to dramatic moments, on-field rivalries, and eye-catching celebrations. One such moment unfolded in the high-voltage encounter between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The highlight of the match wasn’t just the competitive cricket but an animated celebration by LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi, who recreated Kesrick Williams’ famous “notebook celebration” after dismissing PBKS opener Priyansh Arya. While the celebration was meant to be a moment of fiery passion, it quickly became a controversial talking point as the umpire stepped in to warn the young spinner.

Let’s dive into the details of this thrilling contest, the impact of Rathi’s celebration, and the dramatic fallout that followed.

Digvesh Rathi’s ‘Notebook Celebration’ Stirs Controversy

The incident occurred in the third over of PBKS’s chase, when LSG captain Rishabh Pant introduced young left-arm spinner Digvesh Rathi into the attack. With PBKS openers Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis looking to set a solid foundation, Rathi faced immediate pressure.

Arya, a promising young batter, took on Rathi early, smashing a boundary in the over. However, Rathi kept his focus and delivered a short ball outside off-stump, tempting Arya into an aggressive shot. Arya mistimed it completely, top-edging the ball straight to Shardul Thakur at mid-on, gifting LSG their first breakthrough.

What followed next turned the moment into a viral sensation.

As Arya walked back disappointed, Rathi celebrated in an exuberant yet controversial manner—he ran towards the departing batter and mimicked writing Arya’s name in an imaginary notebook, before checking it off with a confident nod. This move mirrored Kesrick Williams’ iconic celebration, which had famously stirred up a battle with Indian captain Virat Kohli during India’s tour of the West Indies in 2019.

While the celebration entertained the crowd, the on-field umpire was quick to intervene, issuing a stern warning to Rathi. The celebration was deemed unsportsmanlike conduct, and Rathi was cautioned against excessive aggression on the field.

The Origins of the ‘Notebook Celebration’

The notebook celebration has an interesting history in cricket. It was made famous by West Indies pacer Kesrick Williams, who first used it during a T20I series against India in 2017. The move gained global recognition when he used it again in 2019, leading to a fiery rivalry with Virat Kohli. Kohli, after smashing Williams for boundaries in a later game, mockingly reversed the celebration, making it one of the most unforgettable moments in T20 cricket.

By replicating this move, Rathi added spice to IPL 2025’s already intense atmosphere. However, the IPL is known for its strict code of conduct, and the league officials might review this incident further.

Nicholas Pooran’s Heroics Guide LSG to a Competitive Total

Before Rathi’s dramatic celebration, LSG’s innings was marked by a crucial rescue act from Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni.

Batting first, LSG struggled early, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Pooran (44 off 30 balls) and Badoni (41 off 33 balls) played responsible knocks, ensuring LSG reached a respectable total of 171/7 in 20 overs.

Key Highlights of LSG’s Innings:

Top-order struggles: The likes of KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal fell cheaply, putting pressure on the middle order.
Pooran’s counterattack: The explosive left-hander took charge, playing aggressive strokes and accelerating the scoring rate in the middle overs.
Badoni’s support: The young batter played a mature knock, stitching a valuable partnership with Pooran.
Punjab Kings’ bowling efforts: Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh were impressive with the ball, taking crucial wickets and keeping LSG’s total in check.

PBKS’ Chase: Arya Falls to Rathi’s Magic

Chasing 172, PBKS had a solid start with Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis cautiously negotiating the new ball. However, Arya’s dismissal in the third over changed the momentum.

Key Moments in PBKS’ Chase:

Arya’s aggressive intent backfires: After hitting Rathi for a boundary, the young batter fell trying to repeat the stroke.
Rathi’s breakthrough brings LSG back: His disciplined bowling prevented PBKS from gaining early momentum.
Impact of the ‘Notebook Celebration’: While Rathi’s gesture was aimed at energizing LSG, it ended up being the biggest talking point of the match.

PBKS’ innings continued with Inglis and Glenn Maxwell taking charge, but LSG’s bowlers struck at regular intervals, keeping them under pressure throughout the chase.

Social Media Reacts: Fans Divided Over Rathi’s Gesture

As soon as the video of Rathi’s celebration surfaced online, fans and experts had mixed reactions.

Reactions from the Cricketing World:

Some fans supported Rathi, calling it a sign of passion and competitive spirit.
Others felt it was unnecessary showboating, especially considering the IPL’s strict conduct guidelines.
Former cricketers weighed in, with some defending Rathi’s enthusiasm, while others urged young players to maintain discipline.

Notably, Kesrick Williams himself reacted on social media, posting a laughing emoji and writing, “Good to see the legacy continue”—suggesting he found Rathi’s imitation amusing.

However, the bigger question remains—will Rathi face any disciplinary action from the IPL authorities?

Will Rathi Face a Fine or Ban?

While celebrations are an integral part of modern cricket, IPL’s Code of Conduct strictly prohibits excessive aggression. Players who breach these rules can face:

Official warnings from match referees.
Fines or deductions from match fees.
Suspension in extreme cases of misconduct.

Given that Rathi only received an on-field warning, he might escape without any further penalties. However, IPL’s disciplinary committee could still review the footage and decide whether additional action is necessary.

Final Thoughts: Rathi’s Celebration Adds Flair to IPL 2025

Cricket is not just about bat and ball—it’s also about emotions, rivalries, and expressing one’s personality on the field. While Digvesh Rathi’s notebook celebration might have crossed the line of sportsmanship for some, it undeniably added entertainment value to the match.

As IPL 2025 progresses, fans can expect more such thrilling moments, intense rivalries, and unforgettable celebrations. Whether this incident remains a one-time spectacle or inspires future players to bring back creative celebrations, only time will tell.

For now, Rathi has made his mark—not just with the ball, but with one of the most talked-about moments of IPL 2025 so far!

What’s Next?

Will IPL officials issue a formal warning to Rathi?
How will Punjab Kings respond in their upcoming games?
Will we see more players bringing back iconic cricket celebrations?

The IPL continues to be a stage for unpredictable drama, high-quality cricket, and moments that keep fans talking long after the final ball is bowled!

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