"Don’t get banned": Digvesh Rathi reveals Sanjiv Goenka and Rishabh Pant’s warning over fiery celebrations
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LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi had a stupendous run in his maiden season in the IPL, but his wild celebrations earned him more fame than his wicket-taking ability. This also resulted in a one-match suspension for the spinner, and despite all the warnings from Rishabh Pant, the captain, he has refused to dial down.
Digvesh Rathi had picked wickets in the last season; however, he gained greater recognition for his wild celebrations on the field. One of the biggest heated altercations came against Abhishek Sharma, when he gave him a fiery send-off with a notebook celebration, which was followed by a massive exchange of words.
"Nobody can stop me from celebrating" - Digvesh Rathi
LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi will once again be taking the field in the IPL 2026 edition, and he will be much anticipated for a promising season, following a breakthrough season first up when he picked 14 wickets, emerging as LSG's lead spinner.
The 26-year-old cricketer has no plans of discontinuing his notebook celebration or any of the celebratory actions. He was suspended three times in the previous season of the IPL; however, that did not deter him.
“I didn't intend to disrespect anyone then, and neither do I want to now. But nobody can stop me from celebrating. If a batter can celebrate after scoring a hundred by putting their helmet on top of their bat and so on, then I can celebrate too,” Rathi told ESPNcricinfo.
Rishabh Pant and LSG management have backed spinner Digvesh Rathi
Rathi has not had many changes in plans, as he has the support from his coach, Justin Langer, and the skipper, Rishabh Pant. However, the message from both of them seems very clear that he in no way should get banned.
“The only thing Rishabh bhai and the management have told me is 'you continue being your most authentic self, but just don't get banned,'” Rathi added.
Speaking of his previous performance in the IPL, he was fined 25 percent of his match fees for the first time in the IPL. Then, the punishment was raised to 50 percent, and this also did not stop him, as he was being fined the third time for another 50 percent of his match fees.
According to the rule of the IPL, four demerit points equal one suspension point, meaning the players should sit out for a game. He was booked under Article 2.5 of the IPL code of conduct and picked up 5 demerit points.
Digvesh Rathi will meet Nitish Rana in LSG's IPL opener
Digvesh Rathi has been warned by the Lucknow Super Giants management as well as the skipper, Rishabh Pant, who is well aware of the importance of Digvesh Rathi in the LSG squad. The central reason behind this is that the demerit points for an individual are recorded for the next 36 months.
Having had a few already, Rathi would have to be careful this season. Eight demerit points will lead to a two-match suspension, while a total of 11 demerit points will lead to a three-match suspension for the star.
In the upcoming game for the Super Giants, the spinner from Delhi would face Nitish Rana, the other batter from Delhi, as his opponent for the Delhi Capitals. The two almost clashed during the previous season of the Delhi Premier League and had to be separated by the umpires.
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