Shikhar Dhawan publicly shames Digvesh Rathi after suspension over notebook celebration

Published - 21 May 2025, 04:22 PM | Updated - 21 May 2025, 05:04 PM

Digvesh Rathi, Shikhar Dhawan. Image Credit: X

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Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan has finally shared his thoughts on the Lucknow Super Giants’ leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi’s controversial “Notebook” celebration and the punishment given by the BCCI for his fiery attitude on the field in the ongoing IPL 2025.

On Tuesday, May 21, Digvesh Rathi was slapped with a one-match suspension for his repeated "Notebook" celebration, and Shikhar Dhawan believes that the young spinner is learning things the hard way that will only help him in the future at the highest level.

Digvesh Rathi banned for one match for his "Notebook" celebration

The LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi was repeatedly warned about his animated celebration, but he continued despite receiving fines and three demerit points in two matches against the Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians. And then Rathi’s fiery altercation with Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma led him to face a one-match suspension.

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After dismissing Abhishek, the leg-spinner furiously gestured goodbye before once again pulling out his signature celebration, sparking a heated on-field altercation with the SRH opener. The on-field spat saw both Abhishek and Rathi penalized.

While the SRH opener was slapped with a 25% fine and a demerit point, the LSG spinner was handed a one-match suspension after accumulating five demerit points.

Shikhar Dhawan breaks silence on Digvesh Rathi’s on-field antics in IPL 2025

Reacting to the controversy, Shikhar Dhawan said that the tough lessons often lead to real growth. The former Indian opener also expressed hope that the young spinner would use this moment as a turning point to channel his passion in a more respectful and positive way on the field.

Shikhar Dhawan posted, X: “Sometimes, learning the hard way is the only way the lesson sticks. Hopefully, this will be a turning point where Rathi learns to channel that fire more constructively and show the respect every player deserves on the field.”

Sometimes, learning the hard way is the only way the lesson sticks. Hopefully, this will be a turning point where Rathi learns to channel that fire more constructively and show the respect every player deserves on the field.
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 20, 2025

Notably, the 25-year-old Rathi has been the only positive for LSG in a disappointing IPL 2025 season, where he picked up 14 wickets in 12 matches at an economy rate of 8.18 runs per over. The Lucknow team is already out of the playoffs race, and they will play their last two games against the Gujarat Titans on May 22 and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 27.

Notebook celebration turns expensive for Digvesh Rathi

Meanwhile, Digvesh Rathi has been fined nearly INR 9.37 lakh so far for repeatedly breaking the IPL’s Code of Conduct with his over-the-top “notebook” send-off gesture. It all began when he dismissed Punjab Kings’ Priyansh Arya and celebrated with a mocking “notebook” gesture, mimicking a player striking off a name.

And for that action, Rathi was fined 25% of his match fee, which is around INR 1.87 lakh, and a demerit point. Just three days later, Rathi did the same thing after bowling out Naman Dhir of Mumbai Indians. This time, the punishment was harsher, as he was handed the fine of 50% of his match fee and two more demerit points were added to his record.

He did the same with Abhishek Sharma despite warnings. Rathi has now turned into one of the most fined players this season for repeated violations, raising questions about discipline and fair play on the field.

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Lucknow Super Giants Shikhar Dhawan Digvesh Rathi IPL